The African Nations Cup, the biggest football event on the continent of Africa, is scheduled to take place beginning January 17, 2015. This has often been a pleasant event for many African countries, especially those directly participating in the tournament. This time around, however, the tournament seems to be clouded by fear of Ebola - and the fear is real. Nations Cup tournaments bring together people from all over the continent and these people often congregate in stadiums across the host country, in this case the host country is the tiny African country called Equatorial Guinea. Its estimated population is just over 700,000 people as of 2014. The event was supposed to take place in Morocco but the North African country declined to host the event due to Ebola fears. Other countries such as Ghana and Angola also declined to host the event.
Now, however, a prominent football player in Equatorial Guinea, the former African female footballer of the year Genoveva Anonma, has raised her voice against the tournament. Under normal circumstances, few Africans would decry this jamboree. With Ebola still flaring just west of Equatorial Guinea, serious consideration needs to be given about canceling the event. This event may create the opportunity for Ebola to spread. It may be better not to provide this opportunity. Fighting Ebola may entail canceling the event.
Now, however, a prominent football player in Equatorial Guinea, the former African female footballer of the year Genoveva Anonma, has raised her voice against the tournament. Under normal circumstances, few Africans would decry this jamboree. With Ebola still flaring just west of Equatorial Guinea, serious consideration needs to be given about canceling the event. This event may create the opportunity for Ebola to spread. It may be better not to provide this opportunity. Fighting Ebola may entail canceling the event.
No comments:
Post a Comment