The Africa Cup of Nations should "100% be more respected", says Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong.
The Watford centre-back said seeing Premier League players being asked if they would honour their national call-ups had been "difficult".
Troost-Ekong is set to lead Nigeria out against seven-time champions and 2017 finalists Egypt on Tuesday in his first major tournament as captain.
"If it was the Euros or any other tournament, I don't think there would be any kind of conversation like this," he told Football Focus. "That would be ludicrous."
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and former Newcastle and Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong have also called for the tournament to be given more respect.