AFCON 2023: Sacked Ivory Coast Manager, Jean Louis Gasset Picks Favourite Ahead of Final Showdown

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final is poised to take centre stage
• Nigeria’s Super Eagles face off against Les Elephants of Ivory Coast
• A former Ivory Coast manager has named his favourite to win the final

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its climax with an electrifying showdown on the horizon. Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to clash with Les Elephants of Ivory Coast.

This crunch match, which would see the winner of the enthralling tournament crowned, features two teams, who previously met in the group stages, locking horns once more.

A host of Ivorian players and stakeholders have continued to dub this rematch as their chance for redemption, as talks and discussions surrounding this fixture echo throughout the continent's footballing landscape.

Nonetheless, adding his perspective to the pre-match dialogue is former Ivory Coast manager, Jean-Louis Gasset. Despite his dismissal following the host nation's lacklustre performance in the group stage, the seasoned septuagenarian has shared his thoughts on which teams he considers favourites ahead of the showdown.

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Sacked Ivory Coast manager names AFCON favourite

In an interview with media outlet L'Equipe, the 70-year-old manager, shared his perspective on the fixture, tipping the Super Eagles as favourites to clinch the final against Les Elephants, attributing this to the prowess of star centre forward Victor Osimhen.

"Ivory Coast are not favourites because Nigeria are ranked higher in Africa, and with Osimhen, the best African Player of the Year."

However, the former Bordeaux manager acknowledged the potential of the Ivory Coast team, stating,

"But with [Sebastien] Haller, [Simon] Adingra, and maybe [Nicolas] Pepe, it's no longer the same team. It's no longer the same team. I knew they would gain momentum. My departure brought peace. I am proud and happy for Les Elephants."

Given the imprint Osimhen left in the group stage defeat suffered by the host nation against Nigeria, his words are hardly surprising. The Napoli forward won the penalty that ultimately secured victory for Nigeria.

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Nevertheless, while some may argue that the upcoming match between the two sides carries a different context, it's undeniable that the insights from the veteran manager add an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Ivory Coast forward hints at revenge against Nigeria

In another report, Sports Brief stated that Ivory Coast forward, Haller, has hinted at seeking revenge against Nigeria.

The 29-year-old, who missed the previous meeting between both teams, was crucial in guiding Les Elephants to the final with a decisive goal against DR Congo.

The Borussia Dortmund star harbours hopes of lifting the AFCON title at the Stade Alassane Outtara.