Chelsea Legend Salomon Kalou Describes Nigeria as a 'Dangerous' Opponent Ahead of AFCON Clash

• Salomon Kalou insists Nigeria will be a tough side at AFCON 2023
• The Super Eagles will face Ivory Coast in their second group game
• Nigeria head to Ivory Coast as three-time champions of Africa

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou is weary of 'dangerous' Nigeria ahead of their game against Ivory Cup at the Africa Cup of Nations next year.

The host will face the Super Eagles in their second Group A game on January 18, 2024.

The two-time African champions open the tournament with a tricky game against Guinea Bissau before completing their group with a match against Equatorial Guinea.

Now retired, Kalou believes Nigeria will be a tough side for the Oranges but remains confident of his country's chances.

"Firstly, it’s a group made up of very good teams, starting with Nigeria which is a very dangerous side," he told CAF Online.

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"At each AFCON, the Super Eagles show great potential. During the last edition, Equatorial Guinea did well, and Guinea Bissau may be the surprise of the group," he added.

"We will have to respect all the teams and above all, win the first match to start the competition well because that is where everything starts from."

Kalou was part of the Ivorian team that won the Nations Cup in 2015, scoring in the penalty shootouts against Ghana, as reported by Euro Sport.

Mikel Obi reunites with Kalou and Drogba

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Former Nigerian international, Mikel Obi reunited with Drogba and Salomon Kalou in Ivory Coast.

The former Super Eagles star is in town for the AFCON 2023 draw, which will take place at the Parc des Expositions d'Abidjan in Abidjan tonight (October 12).

Earlier, Mikel had shared a clip of the moment he arrived in the city, claiming it was his very first time in Ivory Coast.

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Senegal face injury scare ahead of AFCON 2023

Sports Brief also reported that African champions, Senegal hit with a big blow just a month before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

RC Lens midfielder Nampalys Mendy could miss the tournament after limping off in the game against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

Mendy suffered a knock in the 23rd minute and had to be replaced by Younes El-Aynaoui.