Eagles Primed for AFCON 2023 Triumph in Ivory Coast

Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has affirmed Nigeria’s readiness for the upcoming 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

The three-time African champions find themselves in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. The Eagles’ first match is scheduled against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan during the group stage.

During a meeting at the NFF Secretariat with Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Ivory Coast to Nigeria, Gusau commended the Ivory Coast government’s preparations for hosting the tournament, marking 40 years since the country last hosted the 14th edition in 1984.

Expressing confidence in the Ivory Coast’s efforts, Gusau mentioned, “I have been receiving regular briefings on the preparations from the President of Ivory Coast Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is a personal friend. I am aware that the Government of Ivory Coast has really invested in stadia and general infrastructure to make the AFCON a success and a huge spectacle.”

With both the Super Eagles and Elephants sharing the same group, Gusau anticipated an exciting game on January 18, acknowledging the global attention on Ivory Coast throughout the AFCON. He concluded with optimism, stating, “Our team will be ready to do its best. When Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON in 1984, our Eagles finished second. This time, we will work very hard to emerge as champions.”