Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has reiterated his confidence in the Super Eagles securing victory at the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team, having qualified early for the 34th edition set to commence on January 11, 2024, is placed in Group A alongside tournament hosts Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles will commence their pursuit of a fourth AFCON title against Equatorial Guinea on January 14. A pivotal group stage encounter awaits them on January 18, as they go head-to-head with the hosts at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, with a seating capacity of 60,000.
During a visit by Ivory Coast’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, to the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, Gusau commended the country’s efforts in organizing what he anticipates to be one of the finest editions of AFCON. Reflecting on the 1984 AFCON hosted by Ivory Coast, where Nigeria reached the final and secured a second-place finish, Gusau expressed optimism about the Nigerian team’s performance in the upcoming tournament.
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Gusau conveyed, “I have been regularly briefed on the preparations by the President of Ivory Coast Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is a personal friend. I am aware that the Government of Ivory Coast has made significant investments in stadia and general infrastructure to ensure the success and grandeur of the AFCON.”
He added, “Our two teams (Super Eagles and Elephants) share the same group in the finals, making the game on January 18 very intriguing. We understand that the eyes of Africa and the world will be on Ivory Coast before, during, and after the AFCON, and our team will be prepared to give its best. In 1984, when Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON, our Eagles finished second. This time, we are committed to working tirelessly to emerge as champions.”