The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire promises to be an epic match for African football fans on Sunday.
With continental pride on the line, two fierce rivals square off in this heavyweight match.
A final to remember will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on February 11. Nigeria defeated the hosts 1-0 in their previous group stage encounter.
But Cote d’Ivoire will be a different animal with redemption at stake. And Nigeria is aware that stopping the Elephants from winning an AFCON on home ground is their biggest challenge.
The objective for Nigerian manager Jose Peseiro would be to outsmart Cote d’Ivoire manager Emerse Fae. In the first semi-final on Wednesday, Peseiro’s tactical acumen helped Nigeria defeat South Africa in a thrilling penalty shootout match.
However, Fae’s also displayed tenacity as they defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the semifinals. The fight on the touchline between Peseiro and Fae will determine a lot.
Under the Abidjan lights, the stars will be brilliant on the pitch. Star players Nicolas Pepe and Sebastien Haller, a prolific scorer for Dortmund, are from Ivoire.
Nonetheless, Nigeria boasts players like William Troost-Ekong and Victor Osimhen of Napoli. Such a pedigree on show may lead to an absolute goal fest.
African football is the ultimate winner, regardless of who wins. A suitable crescendo is reached in this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON as two heavyweights compete for continental supremacy.