AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Legend Labels Nigeria’s Super Eagles As Dangerous

• Nigeria are one of the favourites for the 2023 AFCON tourney in Ivory Coast
• The Super Eagles last clinched the tournament in South Africa in 2013
• An Ivory Coast legend has warned the host nation to be wary of Nigeria

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to take centre stage on the African continent in the early parts of 2024.

West African nation Ivory Coast is set to host the rest of the continent in what will be the 34th edition of the biennial football tournament.

Among the numerous countries tipped to win the competition are Nigeria's Super Eagles, Africa’s highest-ranked team by FIFA, Morocco, and defending champion Senegal.

However, ahead of the football event, an Ivory Coast legend has sent a clear warning to his side, advising them to exercise caution against their Group A rivals, with particular emphasis on the Super Eagles, a team he deems highly dangerous.

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Ivory Coast legend sends warning about Nigeria

Former Ivory Coast star Salomon Kalou has openly expressed his sentiments regarding the upcoming match against Nigeria.

In a recent interview with Caf Online, as reported by Punch, the 38-year-old, who played a crucial role in the Ivory Coast's triumphant AFCON title win in Equatorial Guinea in 2015, emphasised the challenges posed by the tough group, singling out Nigeria as the most formidable opponent.

In acknowledging the strength of the group, Kalou stated,

"Firstly, it’s a group made up of very good teams, starting with Nigeria, which is a very dangerous side. At each AFCON, the Super Eagles show great potential."

He also praised the other teams in the Elephants' AFCON group, highlighting Equatorial Guinea's performance in the last edition and identifying Guinea Bissau as a potential surprise.

Recognising the importance of a strong start, Kalou stressed,

"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."

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As the hosts of the upcoming AFCON, Ivory Coast is set to face the Super Eagles in their second match at the Alassane Outtara Stadium on January 18, according to reports from Sports Illustrated.

Osimhen backs Nigeria for AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Victor Osimhen has declared that Nigeria is ready for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and is optimistic the Super Eagles will be one of the major contenders for the title in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles last won the tournament in 2013 when Steven Keshi led the team to its third continental title, but they have failed to make the final since then, exiting in the Round of 16 in the 2022 edition.

Osimhen, recently crowned as the 2023 Africa Player of the Year, is confident the Super Eagles are raring to go and have the capacity to defeat other top teams to the AFCON title.