AFRICAN football's governing body have hit back at European clubs including Rangers and told them the players will be safe at their showpiece tournament next month.
Rangers are awaiting notice that three of their players - Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun - will be included in Nigeria's squad for the Cameroon tournament, with the Super Eagles' first match on January 11.
Calvin Bassey has been starting at centre-back recently
The Ibrox side are hoping to delay the departure of their three stars until after the Old Firm game on January 2.
However, the European Club Association - of which Rangers are a member - has said it is not satisfied organisers would implement strict protocols to prevent the spread of Covid and stated players would not be released until after their clubs' final matches before the tournament begins.
But the Confederation of African Football have insisted clubs have nothing to worry about.
Their general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, said: "The confederation is doing everything possible to ensure participants’ safety.
"I had meetings with Cameroon's sports and public health ministers and that was important in getting a level of understanding on the state of readiness in the country.
"There is a lot of work that is being done. We have to continue with the same momentum. We cannot rest. We have to work around the clock.
SOURCE : Thescottish
