Legendary Ghanaian footballer Asamoah Gyan has said that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the most prestigious trophy in his career.
He explained that he values the AFCON tournament as highly as the World Cup, which many people hold in great esteem and celebrate whenever it takes place.
The former Sunderland striker indicated that he would feature in the tournament regardless of its schedule, even if it clashes with his club career.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast released on January 15, 2026, Gyan remarked, “I always tell them, nobody should come and tell me, ‘Hey, you’re not going to AFCON.’ No, I will go to AFCON. AFCON is like a World Cup to me. That is what every African footballer thinks, you know? We have Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and others. I will always go for AFCON.”
Watch highlights of Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco
Addressing the issue of AFCON clashing with the regular football season when played in January, Gyan called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to lobby for the tournament to be held during the off-season.
“I think the calendar is something they should check, maybe after the season or something. I would definitely go for AFCON. That is something I’ve thought about all these years. It affects most clubs that have African players, the important players in them. And I think it should be scheduled at a time when FIFA or CAF can hold it during the off-season,” he said.
Watch Gyan’s remarks below:
“AFCON is like the World Cup to me” – Asamoah Gyan calls for an off-season for African players.
Watch full interview here: https://t.co/55KBv9gRho#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv @RioMeets pic.twitter.com/aW2vhAC57Y
— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) January 15, 2026
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