AFCON 2023: Drogba Backs Nigeria to 'Go Far' After Win Against His Ivory Coast

• Didier Drogba believes Nigeria will 'go far' at AFCON 2023
• The Super Eagles defeated his Ivory Coast on January 18
• Nigeria have four points from their first two group games

Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba has admitted his belief that the Super Eagles are one of the best teams at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has backed them to go far.

On January 18, Nigeria's national team showed their title credentials after defeating AFCON hosts, Ivory Coast 1-0 in front of their fans, with the Blues icon also present at the stadium.

According to Soccernet, the Super Eagles' performance against his home country convinced Drogba that Jose Peseiro’s team has the quality to go far in the competition.

"[Nigeria] can go far, but [Cote d’Ivoire] have to finish in front of them. It’s the celebration of football. Of course, I want Ivory Coast to win, but the best team has to win, but if it’s Nigeria, fair to them and well done to them."

Nigeria football legend offers advice to Super Eagles ahead of the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast

Football

Nigeria will play their final group stage game against Guinea-Bissau today (January 22) and a victory for the three-time AFCON winners would ensure they finish top of Group A.

Simon echoes Guinea-Bissau threat

Meanwhile, Nigeria forward, Moses Simon has advised the Super Eagles not to underestimate Guinea-Bissau ahead of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash on January 22, Daily Post reports.

Nigeria heads to the game knowing a draw will be enough to secure a top-two spot in Group A after a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea before the crucial 1-0 win against Ivory Coast last week.

According to Simon, the Super Eagles should be mindful of Guinea-Bissau, who defeated his country in the AFCON qualifiers. Nigeria are questing for a fourth continental title at this edition.

AFCON 2023 Group A permutations

Sports Brief also previously reported that after two matches for each side in Group A, hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria are competing for two automatic qualification spots.

Equatorial Guinea leads the table and also owns the tie-breaker over the Super Eagles, who also have four points from their first two matches and leapfrogged Ivory Coast after a win over them.