Bournemouth's Afobe opts out of DR Congo squad

Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe will remain in England over January and February after he pulled out of the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for its upcoming Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The London-born 23-year-old chose to switch allegiances from his homeland to DR Congo, where his parents hail from, in March, and was named in the preliminary 31-man squad for the upcoming showpiece.

No reason has been disclosed for Afobe withdrawing his inclusion from AFCON, with the international side's media officer Gerard-Desire Angengwa confirming to BBC Sport on Monday: "Afobe has forfeited from the tournament."

There are, however, reports that Afobe is looking to stake a claim for a regular starting berth on the south coast, and the frontman rewarded manager Eddie Howe's trust on Saturday after scoring when starting Bournemouth's 3-0 win at Swansea City.

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

There were initial delays in Afobe switching allegiances to DR Congo due to an administrative gaffe from the Football Association. The FA submitted paperwork stating that Afobe wanted to represent neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville, rather than his parents' native land.

DR Congo has been drawn alongside holder Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Togo in Group C and begins its tournament on Jan. 16.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, welcomes Afobe's former club Arsenal to Dean Court on Tuesday.