2019 AFCON Qualifiers Moved Till October

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers from March to October 2018.

The qualifiers were initially scheduled for March but a request from Nigeria has prompted the African body to shift the games to October.

Nigeria’s request is to allow the continent’s World Cup finalists in Russia namely Ngeria, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco play international friendlies in the month of March.

On the new development, Super Eagles of Nigeria spokesman Toyin Ibitoye said: “African teams to the World Cup will now have the March 2018 FIFA international days for friendly games after the CAF executive committee approved a proposal by Nigeria for 2019 AFCON qualifiers fixed for that period moved to October 2018.”

“The 2019 AFCON will now be played in June 2019 as against January when the match schedule was announced so there is more time now for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers to be concluded.” he added.

Ibitoye also stated that the team will play international friendlies in March as part of preparations for the World Cup in Russia. The Super Eagles were initially billed to take on Seychelles in March.