Former Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, expresses concern over the formidable challenge the Super Eagles pose to the Elephants’ chances in Group A of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to kick off in January 2024.
The Elephants, seeking their third AFCON title after triumphs in 1992 and 2015, will face stiff competition from Nigeria, led by the reigning African Footballer of The Year, Victor Osimhen, aiming for their fourth AFCON title. Hosts Ivory Coast share Group A with three-time winners Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Drogba, a five-time AFCON participant and leader of the Ivoirians in the 2012 final, anticipates a challenging group for the hosts. He emphasizes the competitiveness of all teams, stating, “There’s no such thing as a generous draw because all the teams deserve to be here and they’re going to fight.”
Highlighting the strength of Nigeria, especially with players like Victor Osimhen, Drogba acknowledges the potential for surprises from the other two teams. The Super Eagles last clinched the AFCON title a decade ago in South Africa, defeating Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals on their way to victory in 2013.
In response to Drogba’s sentiments, Eagles’ coach, Jose Peseiro, maintains optimism about his team’s chances in the 2023 AFCON. Speaking to The SPRINGNEWS, the Portuguese coach expresses determination, stating, “We want to win the AFCON, so it’s not important to choose or want to avoid any opponent. The best moments are all those I was and I’m with my players, working to improve our organization and our team spirit.”