AFCON 2023: Samuel Chukwueze Optimistic Ahead of Nigeria vs Ivory Coast Showdown

• Nigeria are looking to end their AFCON title drought
• The Super Eagles face hosts Ivory Coast in the final
• Samuel Chukwueze says it's time they won the title

Nigeria will play in their first AFCON final since 2013 on Sunday, February 11.

The Super Eagles will face hosts Ivory Coast seeking to lift their fourth AFCON title, and winger Samuel Chukwueze, thinks it's about time they did so.

Jose Peseiro's side are favourites to win the final, a rematch of the Group A clash. The 2013 champions are undefeated in the tournament and are looking to protect that record on Sunday.

In the semi-final, they were tested by an impressive South African side, but Stanley Nwabali's goalkeeping masterclass helped them win the penalty shootout, per CAF.

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AC Milan winger, Chukwueze says semi-final celebrations are over, and they are now fully focused on the final.

I believe in this team, we have been fighting from the start of the competition, it’s time to bring the trophy back home,” Chukwueze told the Super Eagles media via Complete Sports.

“We have talked together as a group, we will keep working hard in training and ensure we win the trophy.”

Nigeria are facing an Ivory Coast team that has overcome all the odds to reach the final. Therefore, things will be tough for the Super Eagles. The Elephants' never-say-die mentality could decide the tie.

Nigeria's record in AFCON finals

Earlier, Sports Brief dissected Nigeria's history in the AFCON finals since they made their debut at the tournament in 1963.

The Super Eagles have played in seven AFCON finals in their history, and their record is not pretty.

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Cameroon handed Nigeria the most defeats in the final. The Indomitable Lions first beat Nigeria in the 1984 AFCON finals, before beating them in two more finals.

Best AFCON finals

Sports Brief earlier listed the best AFCON finals of all time ahead of Nigeria vs Ivory Coast.

The 2021 AFCON final makes the list because it was the matchup between Senegal's Sadio Mane and Egypt's Mohamed Salah, who were Liverpool teammates then.

The 2012 AFCON final between Zambia and Ivory Coast is also memorable. Nigeria vs Cameroon in 2000 is also a classic.