AFCON 2023: Omeruo Speaks on Pressure by Ivory Coast Fans Ahead of Final

• Kenneth Omeruo says Ivory Coast fans cannot pressure the Super Eagles
• Nigeria will tackle the host nation in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations
• The Super Eagles are bidding to win the AFCON trophy for the fourth time

Kenneth Omeruo believes the Super Eagles have nothing to be afraid of when they tackle Ivory Coast in front of 60,000 home supporters in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, February 11.

The Elephants, after an amazing run in the knockout stage, have been able to win back their fans and their support after a lacklustre group stage that saw them finish as the last-best loser of the competition.

Speaking with Sports Brief, Omeruo, who converted one of Nigeria’s penalties in the semi-final shoot-out victory against South Africa, said Ivory Coast would be the ones under pressure from their fans in the final.

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"It’s not a pressure on us. It is more a pressure on them. I think it will work in our favour."

The Super Eagles will meet Ivory Coast for the second time at this year’s edition of the AFCON after overcoming the Elephants in the group stage by 1-0, with Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong netting the winning goal.

Nigeria focused on Ivory Coast clash

Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze has said the Super Eagles are firmly focused on their clash with Ivory Coast as both teams get set for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final in Abidjan, Daily Post reports.

Nigeria will take on the hosts at the 60,000-capacity Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday, February 11, for a chance to win her fourth AFCON title.

The Super Eagles are touted as the favourites to win the cup after an interesting knockout phase that saw them eliminate Cameroon, Angola and South Africa, respectively, en route to the final.

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President Tinubu to attend final

Sports Brief previously reported that Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's President, will be in Ivory Coast to watch the 2023 AFCON final between the Super Eagles and the Elephants.

On Sunday, February 11, the 34th edition of the continental championship is scheduled to conclude with a match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.

At least 22 state governors from the West African country are also said to be preparing to watch the Super Eagles trade tackles with the Elephants in the final round.