COUNTRY OVER CLUB AT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

For African soccer fans and players, there’s no doubt which takes priority in the club vs. country debate.

There’s little to no sympathy for European clubs missing star players in the middle of the season because of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Victor Osimhen cannot play for Napoli when he’s trying to steer Nigeria to its first title since 2013. Mohamed Salah was injured in his second game for Egypt in a blow for Liverpool. Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga challenge has been complicated by the absence of four players. Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface is out for months to recover from a thigh injury sustained in Nigeria’s Cup preparations.

Stuttgart is without Serhou Guirassy, who scored 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games before joining his Guinea teammates. Now he’s trying to guide the Elephants past the quarterfinals.

“You don’t have much better than playing for your country,” Guirassy said after Guinea’s late win over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Then on Monday, it was party time for the tournament’s host, Ivory Coast. Frank Kessié scored the winning penalty for the host nation to knock out defending champion Senegal from the last 16 in a penalty shootout.

For African fans, it’s a rare chance to see their stars at home, demonstrating the pride and commitment they feel representing their countries, the biggest calling in a soccer player’s career.

“It’s difficult for the poor Europeans. But we are happy,” Ivory Coast fan Ibrahim Coulibaly told the AP. “We’re happy because the players have come to raise the level of the tournament. Everyone has their own interests. We bring the children, enjoy life a little, it’s always a joy for us.”

Armand Kouassi, an Ivorian who was supporting Cameroon against Nigeria, also considered country more important than club.

“When you have the honor of being called up for selection, you don’t think of money,” he said. “For me, it’s not a lack of respect (for the clubs), it’s a patriotic act.”

Marina Bouho, an Abidjan native who was supporting Cape Verde against Mauritania, said African players were obligated to return to help their countries.

“It’s a huge competition for Africa and everyone has to come and play,” Bouho said. “It hurts a lot if they’re not allowed. It’s bad if obstacles are put in the players’ way.”

FIFA regional director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, said the clubs should make allowances for African players to represent their countries at the Africa Cup, and they can also benefit when players return after a good tournament.

“They come back with a lot of energy to the club, positive energy. And it represents a lot for the continent,” Fernandes told the AP. “I understand that it’s difficult to lose a player, but I also understand that the player is as proud as a bride to represent his country.”

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly previously said he did not understand why some give more respect to clubs than their countries.

“My choice is to play for my country. If (the club) are not happy, I will find another club,” Koulibaly said.