From Cultural Displays to Masquerades, Cote d’Ivoire Delivers Spectacular Opening Ceremony: Video

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin in Cote d'Ivoire
• The West African nation delivered a beautiful opening ceremony
• Ivory Coast will Guinea Bissau in the opening game on Saturday

Abidjan- Cote d'Ivoire. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony lived up to the hype following the display of spectacular cultural performances and delivery of musical acts.

Performances from local dance troupes and top music artists such as Dadju and Tay C as well as Yemi Alade left the stadium in full excitement.

There were also displays of masquerades and a rich showcase of Ivorian culture through their colours and fireworks.

The entire Stade Alassane Outarra stadium was a spectacle as fans got value for money.

Meanwhile, the President of the country delivered a message of peace and solidarity and was delighted to welcome Africa to Abidjan.

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The host will face Guinea Bissau in the opening match of the tournament, with the teeming home fans expecting victory.

The Elephants are hoping to win their third Africa Cup of Nations on home soil but will face strong competition from other big nations including defending champions Senegal.

In the other Group A game, Nigeria will engage Equatorial Guinea as the Nations Cup begins in full flight.

Guinea steals show with dressing at AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Syli National of Guinea dazzled with their arrival for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with their impeccable dressing.

The West African nation touched down in style, arriving in their beautifully made traditional African wear.

Guinea's colourful arrival has seen them edge off Nigeria and Ghana, who had dominated social media earlier in the day with their styles.

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Sports Brief also reported that excitement and tension have encapsulated the entire Abidjan ahead of the opening fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations showdown between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.

The Elephants will have close to 28 million fans around the country behind them when they file out against the Djurtus, in what many have branded as a 'must-win' for the hosts.

Hours before the kick-off of the encounter, Ivorian fans could be seen making preparations as they mobilise themselves to garner maximum support for their darling team.