Enyeama tells Caf: Cancel Afcon or risk Ebola spread

 
Oct 24, 2014 07:38:41

The goalkeeper, who is competing for qualification with Nigeria, is worried about the deadly virus being passed on in Morocco and has called on the competition to be shelved

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has pleaded with the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to consider cancelling January's Africa Cup of Nations due to the risk of Ebola being spread at the tournament.

The virus has killed thousands of people in Africa since the outbreak began earlier in 2014 and there are fears that a tournament involving players, fans and officials congregating from across the continent could spark a major health crisis in Morocco.

Enyeama, whose Super Eagles are likely to have to win both their remaining matches to even have a chance of defending their title in 2015, has called for Caf to start taking calls for Afcon to be shelved until the Ebola danger has been reduced.

"I really wish it doesn't happen with all the people that will be moving around," Nigeria's No.1 told reporters after Lille's 0-0 draw with Everton on Thursday in the Europa League.

"But I'm not Caf. I'm not the one who calls the shots.

"It's risky for everyone because you go to Africa and then everyone is hugging you and shaking you, and what can you do? You're at risk.

"But if it happens I will play, if we qualify."