BENIK AFOBE will stay at Bournemouth and not represent Congo at the African Nations Cup.
The Cherries striker, 23, was chosen for the tournament in Gabon after switching his allegiances from England.
But heartbroken Afobe believes the timing of the Nations Cup will seriously harm his chances of establishing himself at Bournemouth and will stay to fight for his place.
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Despite losing Everton’s Yannick Bolasie and Hull’s Dieumerci Mbokani to injury, Congo last night gave Afobe the green light to remain with his club.
Congo could have used Fifa rules to block Afobe playing for Bournemouth until the tournament finishes in mid-February – but they understood his dilemma and want him to establish himself.
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A pal said: “It’s not like Wilfried Zaha or Sadio Mane, who are established stars at their clubs. Benik is yet to seriously breakthrough at Bournemouth.
“He has been working hard and boss Eddie Howe has seen that.
“If he was to go now, just as he is knocking on the door for a regular starting place, it would hamper his progress.
“Benik is gutted to not be going but feels the timing wasn’t right.”