Troost Ekong: Super Eagles Star Speaks on AFCON Dream Ahead of Final Against Ivory Coast

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its climax with the final looming
• Nigeria’s Super Eagles square off against host nation, Ivory Coast, in Abidjan
• A Super Eagles defender has spoken about his dream of winning the AFCON

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its climax with the highly anticipated showdown between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the host nation, Ivory Coast, at the Stade Alassane Ouattara on February 11.

Both teams, having previously clashed in the group phase, are poised to lay it all on the line on the pitch, fuelled by the heightened stakes of this momentous occasion.

In the lead-up to the final, the talk continues from both teams' camps and the latest to join in on the conversation is Nigeria’s Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong.

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The 30-year-old stalwart, who recently etched his name into the annals of AFCON history by equalling the record for most goals scored by a defender, has voiced his aspirations of hoisting the prestigious trophy in Ivory Coast.

Troost-Ekong on winning AFCON

The Paok Thessaloniki centre-back, who sat down for an interview with BBC Sport Africa, shared his aspirations of claiming victory in the final.

"You dream about moments like that," the former Watford star said. "I've seen it so many times. And I've closed my eyes. To actually be there on Sunday and have the chance to do that will be amazing."

Troost-Ekong's sentiments echo those of the team's manager, Jose Peseiro, who also discussed his ambitions for the tournament in an interview with the BBC.

"When I signed the contract, I made it clear that winning the AFCON was my goal. From the outset, I've held this belief firmly. While we haven't secured any victories yet, our objective remains to clinch the AFCON title."

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Nigeria are widely regarded as the favourites against the host nation for Sunday's final. Earlier in the tournament, the Super Eagles defeated Les Elephants, with Troost-Ekong netting the decisive goal of the match.

Analysing the Super Eagles' tactical shift

Sports Brief also previously analysed Nigeria's tactical changes at AFCON 2023 to become one of the most defensively sound teams in the continental competition.

The three-time Cup of Nations champions, who were largely anticipated to showcase high-octane attacking football, have seemingly shifted to a cautious defensive approach.