The Golden Eaglets hope of showcasing their talent to the rest of Africa has been shattered after CAF canceled the U17 AFCON due to begin in Morocco this weekend.
— CAFOnline (@CAF_Media) March 8, 2021
Earlier reports were that the 12-nation tournament has been postponed due to rising cases of Coronavirus.
However, CAF announced on their official Twitter handle that the competition has been called off altogether.
This is the official statement by CAF on their decision –
The CAF Emergency Committee met on Monday, March 08, 2021 in Rabat, Morocco to decide on the holding of the 2021 U17 Total Africa Cup of Nations.
The Committee was made aware of the constraints faced by some of the participating member associations as well as the host country including the fact that the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for the organization of international sporting events.
Taking into account the cancellation by FIFA of the Under-17 World Cup for which the U-17 CAN was no longer qualifying, the Committee further noted:
• The resurgence of the Covid19 pandemic.
• Increased restrictions on international travel
• Uncertainty about the evolution of the situation
For all these reasons, the Committee decided to cancel the 2021 edition of the Total U17 Africa Cup of Nations.