AFCON 2023: Chelsea Legend Mikel Obi Predicts the Teams That Will Make the Final in Ivory Coast

• The 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations wraps up on February 11
• Four teams, including Nigeria and South Africa, are vying for a place in the final
• A Chelsea legend has predicted the teams that will qualify for the final in Ivory Coast

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in its thrilling final week, bringing the competition to its climax with the eagerly anticipated semi-finals on the horizon.

Nigeria's Super Eagles, South Africa's Bafana Bafana, Ivory Coast's Les Elephants, and DR Congo's Les Leopards have successfully navigated their way to the semi-finals and are finely poised to fiercely compete for a coveted spot in the grand finale scheduled to take place at the Stade Alassane Ouattara on February 11.

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As the excitement intensifies in the lead-up to the pulsating semi-finals, former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has shared his predictions on the two teams that he believes will secure a place in the finals of this prestigious Cup of Nations.

Mikel predicts AFCON finalist

Speaking on his podcast, "The Obi One Podcast," John Mikel Obi shared his insights when questioned about the potential finalists in the 2023 AFCON.

Mikel confidently predicted a clash between two West African powerhouses, Nigeria and Ivory Coast, in the final of the tournament.

Reflecting on Nigeria's previous victory over Ivory Coast in the group stage, Mikel remarked,

"I was thinking about it the other day. We managed to beat them in the group stage when they were on the brink of exiting the tournament, and all of a sudden, you know, they are back in it and now," Mikel said.

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"They have got a wind with them and are now playing prettily okay but not so well, but they have started to win games, and now, if they can manage to get to the final, who knows?"

Mikel's choice aligns with the sentiments of many pundits and analysts, acknowledging that despite South Africa's and DR Congo's commendable run, they have not been entirely convincing throughout the tournament.

If Nigeria and Ivory Coast successfully navigate past South Africa and DR Congo, respectively, it would mark their second meeting between both sides, having previously faced off in the group stage where the Super Eagles secured a narrow victory over the Elephants with a solitary goal.

Juventus icon hails Nigeria’s AFCON performance

In another report, Sport Brief stated that former Juventus midfielder, Sunday Oliseh, has praised the performance of Nigeria's Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 49-year-old also explained the reasons behind Nigeria's outstanding performance in the tournament thus far.

Oliseh emphasised the significance of the team's defensive compactness, identifying it as a crucial factor contributing to their success.