Nigeria Legend Mikel Obi Makes Bold AFCON Claim Ahead of Draw in Abidjan

• John Mikel Obi has arrived in Abidjan ahead of the 2023 AFCON draw
• The former Super Eagles captain believes Nigeria will win the trophy
• Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 when Mikel Obi was captain

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi is excited ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations draw in Ivory Coast on Thursday.

The 2013 AFCON winner arrived in Abidjan on Wednesday as one of the special guests for the event to be held at Parc Des Expositions.

Mikel Obi has boldly claimed Nigeria would win their fourth AFCON title in the West African nation, claiming the title is 'coming home'.

The 36-year-old, who led Nigeria to their third AFCON triumph in 2013 after the Super Eagles defeated Burkina Faso in the final, said in a video posted on social media:

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"This is coming home, the tournament is coming home, AFCON 2023 is coming home to Nigeria."

The three-time African champions have been drawn in Pot 2 of the draw to be held tonight and will avoid rivals, Ghana and Cameroon.

Nigeria are currently camping in Portugal in preparation for the international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

Meanwhile, Senegalese-American music superstar, Akon will host the 2023 draw, as announced by CAF.

Akon confirmed host of AFCON 2023 draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Akon being confirmed as the host of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations draw in Ivory Coast on October 12, 2023.

The business mogul and music superstar will be joined by former Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure for the final draw of the tournament.

The event, to be held in January and February next year, will see 24 countries divided into six groups for the continental championship.

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CAF release pots for AFCON draw

Sports Brief also reported on Ghana avoiding West African rivals Nigeria in the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both teams have been grouped in Pot 2, ahead of the draw being held tonight (October 12) at the Parc de Expositions.

The 24 teans that have qualified for the tournament in Ivory Coast next year have been placed in four pots of six nations each.