As the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) approaches its climax in Ivory Coast, speculations abound regarding the potential winner, with football powerhouses like Morocco and Senegal vying for the title. However, a noteworthy trend has emerged – a significant number of players in the tournament were not born in Africa. The increasing reliance on diaspora players has sparked debates about its impact on African football.

In the 2023 edition, out of the 630 registered players, 200 were born outside Africa, with France leading the count at 104, followed by Spain with 24 and England with 15. The Moroccan national team boasts the highest number of diaspora players, with 18 born outside the country. This trend, while contributing to the rise of some African teams, has also raised concerns about its potential negative effects.

African teams, grappling with the intense global talent battle, are turning to players born abroad for diverse reasons, including family ties and self-identity. The case of players like Riyad Mahrez and Kalidou Koulibaly, born in France to parents of African origin, exemplifies this trend. However, skeptics argue that some players may be opting for African teams due to perceived inadequacies in making it into European squads.

Despite concerns about the potential detrimental effects on the long-term health of African football, the approach seems to yield success on the field. For instance, Morocco’s impressive performance in reaching the semi-final stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup has elevated them to the top-ranking African team and the 13th globally. Senegal and Cape Verde, traditionally less successful footballing nations, have also seen positive results.

Critics, including former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell, express worries about diaspora players creating a culture of complacency among African football leaders and coaches. He argues that developing homegrown talent identification and development solutions should be a priority, although acknowledging the challenges of time and resources in the fast-paced world of football.

As the Afcon concludes in Abidjan, the birthplace of the captain lifting the trophy will likely fuel further debates about the role and significance of African football’s diasporas.