Ivory Coast Manager Aims Dig at Nigeria’s Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Showdown Against Guinea Bissau

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off on January 13
• Host country Ivory Coast begin their campaign against Guinea Bissau
• Coach of the Elephants has aimed a jibe at Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of their Group opener

The tension and anticipation in the lead-up to the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is palpable as a host of teams aim to make a mark on the competition.

Host nation Ivory Coast are slated to kick off the tournament with the curtain raiser against Guinea Bissau.

The two-time Cup of Nations winners harbour the dream of adding a lucky third to their cabinet and hope this can be made possible on the strength of their fans cheering them on.

However, ahead of their opening fixture against the Djurtus, manager Jean-Louis Gasset has aimed a slight dig at Nigeria's Super Eagles during his press briefing.

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Ivory Coast manager aims dig at Nigeria

The 70-year-old manager, who engaged with the media on various topics, including his team's prospects in the AFCON, was questioned about his initial opponent.

When asked about Guinea Bissau, as reported by Pooja Media, the septuagenarian responded:

"Guinea-Bissau: What I know about Guinea-Bissau is that we know they defeated Nigeria in their AFCON qualifiers."

Gasset's words seem to subtly dig at Nigeria's Super Eagles, who experienced a setback against the Djurtus at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja during their AFCON qualification match.

Nigeria, however, ensured they got their revenge against Guinea Bissau in the return leg of the AFCON when a penalty from Moses Simon was enough to provide Jose Peseiro’s side the much-needed victory.

The Super Eagles will clash with the Ivory Coast on January 18 before wrapping up their Group phase campaign against Guinea Bissau.

Super Eagles to get new captain

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Sports Brief in a previous report stated the Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to name a new captain for the AFCON opener against Guinea Bissau, according to a report.

The report highlights the trio of Ahmed Musa, William Troos-Ekong, and Kenneth Omeruo, who will all sit out the clash against the Djurtus.

The West African Nations are tipped to go all the way to clinch the trophy in Ivory Coast.