FC Barcelona and Mali midfielder, Seydou Keita, says it is annoying to rate low the Africa Cup of Nations tournament just because Nigeria, Cameroun and Egypt's are absent at the ongoing Africa Nations Cup at Equatorial-Guinea and Gabon.

Keita told journalists in Libreville, Gabon yesterday that if Nigeria's Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions were as good as they look, then they should be competing at the Nations Cup.

''I am aware that people complain that the standard here is low because Nigeria, Cameroun and Egypt are not playing. I laugh when I hear this. People forget that nobody lands at the Nations Cup without going through the qualifiers. For me, qualifiers for the Nations Cup are very tough and the fact that those countries could not make it to this competition means they can be among the best 16 in Africa now.''

The runner-up, 2011 African Footballer Of The Year added that questions should be asked from players and coaches to truly assess the 2012 Africa Nations cup.

''I was in Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010 where Nigeria and Cameroun played and I must tell you that this competition is more advanced and more competitive.''

The Malien veteran also reminded fans that Guinea, Senegal and Niger Republic which beat Nigeria, Cameroun and Egypt in the qualifiers have all crashed out in the first round, suggesting that there is an evolving trend in African football.

''Who could think first round ouster for Senegal? I am thrilled by the performance of Equatorial Guinea and even Sudan in this competition, they are very strong teams.'’

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