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Ivorian legend Didier Drogba backs the Super Eagles for an impressive finish at the AFCON.
Former Chelsea superstar Didier Drogba has thrown his weight behind Nigeria's prospects in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), albeit with a patriotic nod to his home nation, Cote d’Ivoire.
As the Super Eagles, teeming with top-tier talent, hunt for their fourth AFCON crown in Ivory Coast, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of African football finesse.
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18:27 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Chukwueze sends warning ahead of Guinea Bissau clash
Samuel Chukwueze bigs up the Super Eagles ahead of the final AFCON group stage clash against Guinea Bissau.
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17:58 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Why Ekong took the penalty against Ivory Coast and not Osimhen
William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason behind his taking the penalty against Ivory Coast.
Despite their shaky start, Nigeria's resilience and quality have kept their dreams alive, beating Drogba’s Ivorians, and the ex-Galatasaray man acknowledges their potential to go the distance.
Nigeria's Rocky Road to Redemption
Nigeria's journey in the tournament hasn't been without its hiccups. Kicking off with a less-than-convincing performance against Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles managed only a draw in a game many expected them to dominate. The initial stumble raised questions about their championship mettle, especially considering their unimpressive form leading up to AFCON.
The narrative took a turn for the better in Nigeria's second outing. Facing the hosts, Ivory Coast, in a high-stakes clash, the Jose Peseiro-led squad pulled off a gritty 1-0 victory. This triumph not only marked a significant upturn in their campaign but also sent a strong message to their rivals about their trophy aspirations.
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What Drogba said
Post-match, Didier Drogba, a figure synonymous with Ivorian football excellence, was vocal about Nigeria's chances. He said, "They (Nigeria) can go far, but we (Cote d’Ivoire) have to finish in front of them. It’s the celebration of football. Of course, I want Ivory Coast to win, but the best team has to win, but if it’s Nigeria, fair to them and well done to them.”
The Super Eagles are now poised for their final group stage showdown against Guinea-Bissau. A win in this encounter would not only cement their position at the top of Group A but also bolster their claim as serious contenders for the continental crown.
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