November 09, (THEWILL) – The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Speaking on the NFF website on Thursday, Gusau said the three-time champions are ready to give their all when the continent’s showpiece tournament kicks off on January 13, 2024.
Gusau revealed he has been receiving regular updates from the Ivorian FA President, Yacine Idriss Diallo, about preparations for the 34th edition of the AFCON. He lauded the significant investments made by the Ivorian government into stadiums and infrastructure to ensure the success of the finals.
The NFF chief highlighted the mouthwatering clash between Nigeria and Ivory Coast on January 18, with both sides drawn in Group A. “The whole of Africa and even the world will be focused on Ivory Coast during the AFCON, and our team will be ready to do its best,” Gusau noted.
Gusau expressed confidence Nigeria can go one better than their second-place finish when Ivory Coast last hosted the AFCON in 1984. The Super Eagles will also face Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
Nigeria have won the AFCON three times previously, most recently in 2013. Gusau believes the 2023 vintage can add to that tally under the guidance of head coach Jose Peseiro. With a talented squad featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles will be one of the pre-tournament favourites next January.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
