Players who turned down European countries to play AFCON 2023
By Biwah Bryan
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will bring together an array of talents from across the globe, including players eligible for other countries who jettisoned the chance of playing for other teams in preference of playing at AFCON.
1. Houssem Aouar
Aouar is a creative midfielder and was expected to be a playmaking marvel for France’s national team with his performance in Ligue 1 for Lyon, but will now ply his trade for Algeria’s Fennec Foxes after making the switch.
2. Yan Valery
Former French U17 and U18 player Yan Valery will bring his defensive excellence honed during his time with Southampton in the Premier League to bolster Tunisia’s backline.
3. Amine Gouiri
French football rising star Amine Gouiri was touted as a promising prospect for France but switched to Algeria, earning four caps leading up to AFCON 2023. His goal-scoring and creative prowess has marked him as an exciting asset for the Foxes.
4. Inake Williams
Williams was a Former Spain youth team player who will be with the black stars to Ghana. William brings dynamic attacking skills developed in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao to Ghana’s squad.
5. Alex Iwobi
The Arsenal academy graduate had played for England’s youth team and his versatility plus technical talents will be key assets for Nigeria thanks to his familiar ties with Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha.
6. Ola Aina
Former England youth team player Ola Aina’s commitment to Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned him a place on the AFCON 2023 squad, highlighting his willingness to connect with his country of origin despite being born elsewhere.
