AFCON 2023: It is repeat or revenge as Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria battle for the golden fleece
After two explosive semifinal encounters, the men have been separated from the boys as hosts Cote d’Ivoire and their West African rivals Nigeria book the tickets to the grand finale of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria will be hoping for a fourth title after defeating South Africa in the semifinal through penalty kicks. They can only achieve this if they can beat the hosts Cote d’Ivoire for the second time in the competition. The Ivorians defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the other semifinal clash to set up an all-West African grand finale on Sunday, February 11 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
It is déjà vu as the West African rivals do battle for the second time in this competition. The Elephants suffered a Group A defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles and that nearly condemned the hosts to early elimination. But as luck had it, the Ivorians survived elimination by the skin of their teeth and would be hoping to exact revenge on the Nigerians to end the tournament on a perfect note.
Sunday’s final means a lot for both countries. While the Nigerians attempt to capture Africa for the fourth time, the Ivorians will be hoping to snatch their third trophy, and for the fans of the Elephants, it will definitely be a perfect end to an exciting African soccer jamboree.
