Bournemouth's Afobe pulls out of Africa Cup of Nations

Bournemouth attacker Benik Afobe has decided to pull out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 23-year-old had been expected to join up with the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the tournament, having been originally named in Florent Ibenge's 31-man panel.

DR Congo media officer Gerard-Desire Angengwa announced that "Afobe has forfeited from the tournament."

No reason has been given for Afobe's withdrawal, but the BBC are reporting that the former England Under-21 international informed manager Ibenge that he would like to stay at Bournemouth to help keep his place in the starting XI.

Afobe started only his third Premier League game of the season on Saturday, but was on the scoresheet as the Cherries defeated Swansea 3-0.

After the game, the attacker indicated that he was happy with Eddie Howe's decision to play him and wanted to show his appreciation to his club boss.

"The manager showed faith in me by starting me and I wanted to repay him with a goal, so I'm happy," Afobe told the club's official website.

"The goal was a great relief and a goal at a crucial time.

"The lads have been helping me a lot and I want to improve personally".