Audio By Carbonatix
Seyi Akinwunmi has told Goal that the country has the capacity to host the Africa Cup of Nations if they are asked as an alternative to Morocco.
Nigeria could host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations if Morocco pulls out of staging the finals, according to the vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The north African country is currently in deliberations over its place as hosts of next year's finals due to fears over the spread of the Ebola virus.
Morocco asked the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to postpone the tournament to a later date instead of its present January-February schedule but the governing body is not ready to do so, and has written to several countries - including Ghana and Egypt - to ask if they might be able to host the finals.
But Nigeria could throw their hat into the ring to stage the tournament despite fears of the possibility of teams from Ebola-ravaged countries qualifying for the competition and bringing along their supporters.
Africa's largest country was certified Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, six weeks after the last case of the disease in the nation was reported, and this could prompt renewed interest from international organisations.
"I think we are interested [in hosting the Afcon]," new NFF vice president Seyi Akinwunmi told Goal on Monday.
"It is not strictly the purview of the NFF alone but we have been asked [if we can host the competition] and we have said yes, why not?
"I think that the National Sports Commission or the Federal Government is looking at the possibility of hosting the tournament," added Akinwunmi, who disclosed that Caf had not yet formally written to Nigeria.
South Africa has already turned down the opportunity to host the tournament with Safa president Danny Joordan saying: "The Afcon 2015 tournament will not be held here. That issue doesn't exist. Caf must discuss this matter with Morocco.”
With the Super Eagles struggling to qualify for the 2015 tournament, hosting the competition would give them automatic qualification to defend the title they won in South Africa last year.
Latest Stories
-
NSMQ 2026 : St. Louis SHS returns to nationals after thrilling comeback in Ashanti region qualifiers
1 hour -
“Data is the new gold” – Prof. Kwofie leads charge for AI-driven, equitable Africa
1 hour -
Lights for Life Movement urges fixing of faulty traffic lights to save lives
1 hour -
Doctor uses cash reward of GH¢20,000 to equip Paga Hospital
1 hour -
Free but expensive education in Ghana – Free SHS in retrospect
1 hour -
Justice must heal a nation, not become a qeapon of revenge
1 hour -
Six students injured as fire destroys House Master’s apartment at Leklebi SHS
2 hours -
Mid-Year Budget Review: What happened to the GH¢40m promise to Ghana’s creative industry?
2 hours -
Tafo Government Hospital children’s ward 85% complete ahead of my 45th birthday – Nana B
3 hours -
Kessben FM yanks DJ K.A. ‘off air’ over intimate video circulated online; Investigation underway
3 hours -
Ghana, Nigeria commit to stronger trade cooperation under AfCFTA
3 hours -
Ghana to evacuate about 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks
3 hours -
Climate change: Floods hit my home while I was defending Ghana’s forests in Germany
4 hours -
First person gets new experimental vaccine for Ebola
4 hours -
Ablakwa calls for investigation into alleged attacks on Sam Jonah’s investments in Nigeria
4 hours