AFCON 2021: Kelechi Nwakali reveals how Covid-19 rules have affected the Super Eagles

The Super Eagles have not reported any positive cases of Covid-19 in the tournament so far, but other teams have not been so lucky

Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that the Super Eagles players have had to be cautious to avoid contracting Covid-19.

The Covid-19 virus has halted major economies in recent years, and sports activities have not been left out.

In 2020, most leagues worldwide were postponed for months because of Covid-19. Even the Africa Cup of Nations, which was supposed to hold in 2021, had to be pushed forward to this year.

Prior to the commencement of AFCON, there was a lot of talk concerning the tournament, especially amongst the European clubs pushing for the postponement of the competition, although those were because of their selfish sentiments.

However, the Confederation of African football placed some measures to control the spread of the virus.

So far, Nigeria have not recorded any cases of Covid-19 in Cameroon, but other teams have not been so lucky.

Tunisia, who the Super Eagles face in the round of 16, recorded twelve cases of the virus, while Guinea-Bissau reported a few cases.

Speaking on how the team has adapted to the present realities, Nwakali affirmed that the Super Eagles have had to be cautious to avoid contracting Covid-19.

“It’s not like before like we normally watch on television,” Nwakali told NFF TV.

“I think because of the Covid, a lot of things have been restricted, and you need to observe or respect the protocols of Covid because, in as much as we are trying to entertain everybody, we can not also fall victim of the situation in the world now.”

“Even in the club side football, you can see that not a lot of clubs allow fans to come and watch because of the Covid-19.

“But it is what it is, so we have to enjoy the moment and take it how it is,” he added.

Nwakali has not played much in the competition, but he did start the game against Guinea-Bissau.