AFCON Covid rumours could benefit Rangers despite broadcasting deal

Rangers could be handed a major AFCON boost amid reports the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon is to be postponed.

Rangers have three players who’re being tipped to go to the tournament in Nigeria trio Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo.

The tournament is set to take place from the 9^th of January until the 6^th of February 2022 and as a result the trio would miss up to five matches if Nigeria were to go deep in the tournament.

There were also fears surrounding the release of the players ahead of the Old Firm derby on January 2^nd after the nation sacked Gernot Rohr, who had previously been in discussions about their late release.

But now this may not be an issue at all amid wide spreading reports that the tournament will not go ahead amid the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

Reports claiming AFCON to be postponed in major Rangers boost

Several journalists and outlets are reporting that the tournament – which has already been rescheduled – could be set to be postponed indefinitely.

RMC Sport is leading with the news and claims that the Central African Federation (CAF) are weighing up whether to go ahead with the tournament

However, rumours of a cancellation have previously been quashed by the organising committee behind the tournament.

CAF’s director of communications Alex Siewe has previously claimed organisers “can’t keep spending time dealing with rumours” when asked about a potential postponement [BBC Sport].

The RMC Sport report also comes after Sky Sports announced they’d be screening all 52 AFCON matches live, meaning Rangers fans will be able to get a glimpse of their heroes.

The BBC will also be screening 10 live matches.

Whilst sending the Nigeria trio off to the tournament is far from ideal Rangers supporters will be eager to cheer on the Super Eagles if the tournament goes ahead.

If it doesn’t, then it’s a welcome boost with all three players growing in importance as the season progresses.

Joe Aribo in particular has been a major player for Rangers this season and the attacking midfielder could be set for a new contract.