Samuel Chukwueze has demanded that the Africa Cup of Nations must be respected by the football world.
The timing of the AFCON has often created discord between African countries and European clubs, which frequently have to do without their players for up to a month.
Confederation of African Football, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced last weekend that the AFCON will be staged every four years after the 2028 edition.
The decision has generated mixed reactions, with many criticising CAF for bowing to pressure from FIFA, UEFA and European clubs.
Chukwueze said the AFCON must be accorded the same respect as the FIFA World Cup and the European Championships.
“Everyone wants to play in AFCON. It is one of the best tournaments in the world. You have to respect AFCON in the same way that you respect the European Championships or the World Cup,” Chukwueze told Reuters.