The African Cup of Nations, AFCON, stands as the premier sporting tournament in Africa. As the 34th edition commenced in Ivory Coast on the weekend of the 13th, the dynamics of the 2023 AFCON could have been markedly different had certain football luminaries opted to represent their countries of origin rather than the nations they grew up in.
Here’s a glimpse into the African giants who might have bolstered their national squads significantly.
Ivory Coast
The host nation, Ivory Coast, could have seen some illustrious names donning their colors in this year’s edition if certain players had chosen differently. Notable examples include Manchester City center-back Nathaniel Ake, who opted for the Netherlands despite his Ivorian heritage. Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, with Ivorian roots, chose to play for Germany, the 2014 World Champions.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who opened their campaign with a draw against Equatorial Guinea, might have had a different lineup had these stars opted for their homeland. Arsenal and English winger Bukayo Saka, with both parents of Nigerian origin, could have been a notable addition. Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, boasting Nigerian heritage, chose to play for Switzerland. Crystal Palace’s duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise opted for England and France, respectively, over representing Nigeria.
Ghana
The Black Stars of Ghana, who faced defeat in their initial match against Cape Verde, could have benefited immensely if certain stars had chosen to play for them. Despite securing Inaki Williams for Ghana, his brother Nico Williams didn’t follow suit. Ghana also missed out on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who chose to play for Canada despite being born in Buduburam, Ghana.
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could have had a different composition if they secured the nationality of Kylian Mbappe, who chose to represent France. French counterparts Aurelien Tchouaméni and Breel Embolo, both with Cameroonian roots, opted for France and Switzerland, respectively.
Algeria
The AFCON 2019 champions, Algeria, could have benefited from the services of former Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Pro League’s side Al-Ittihad. However, Benzema rejected Algeria in favor of representing France.
Cape Verde
The Island nation, Cape Verde, could have potentially seen one of the greatest players in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo, making an impact on the Africa Cup of Nations. Ronaldo, eligible through his paternal great-grandmother, chose to represent Portugal instead.
Senegal
Despite boasting stars like Sadio Mane, Koulibaly, and Benjamin Mendy, the defending champions, the Lions of Teranga, could have gained more if Leroy Sane and PSG winger Ousmane Dembele had chosen to represent Senegal. Instead, Sane shifted his nationality to Germany, while Dembele opted for France.
