Benik Afobe cleared to play for Bournemouth during Africa Cup of Nations

Bournemouth have received clearance from DR Congo which allows Benik Afobe to play for them while the Africa Cup of Nations takes place.

The striker switched his allegiance from England in 2016 and had been expected to be in the Congolese squad for the competition after being named in their preliminary 31-man squad.

Afobe turned down the chance to represent them in Gabon, however, in favour of staying in the UK to continue playing his part in Bournemouth's Premier League campaign.

Recent reports suggested the former Arsenal and Wolves forward had told Congo coach Florent Ibenge he wanted to remain at the Vitality Stadium to fight for his place in Eddie Howe's side.

Afobe has started just three league games this season, making another 12 appearances as a substitute, and also began both of the club's matches in the EFL Cup.

He did score twice in December, though, against Burnley and Swansea and is eager to build on that over the next few weeks.

Afobe had been in line to make his DR Congo debut in November's World Cup Qualifier against Guinea.

Instead, he missed out after the paperwork to process his change of nationality was submitted to the wrong federation.

Afobe could have been banned from playing for his club for the duration of the three-week tournament, which starts on Saturday, if the Congolese Federation took the issue up with FIFA.

As it is, they have given their blessing to him carrying on with Bournemouth.

Afobe will now focus for Bournemouth's trip to Hull on Saturday, with his country playing against Morocco in Oyem two days later.