AFCON 2023: Sebastien Haller Reflects on Cancer Recovery and Sending Ivory Coast to Final vs Nigeria

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final is on the horizon
• Nigeria’s Super Eagles face off against host nation, Ivory Coast
• Sebastien Haller has spoken on his journey since beating cancer

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concludes with an electrifying final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the host nation, Ivory Coast.

From thrilling matches to heart-stopping moments, this tournament has kept fans and stakeholders on the edge of their seats.

As anticipation reaches a fever pitch for the final showdown, players from both sides have eagerly shared their thoughts on their teams' prospects for clinching victory.

However, amidst the fervour surrounding the impending showdown, Ivory Coast forward, Sebastien Haller, has taken a moment to reflect on his remarkable journey from battling cancer to scoring the crucial goal that propelled his team into the AFCON final.

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Haller on beating cancer

The 29-year-old took to the media stage alongside coach, Emerse Fae, for the final pre-match briefing of the tournament, delving into his remarkable journey of conquering cancer and sharing his profound joy about his current state.

As captured by Sports Brief, the Borussia Dortmund forward expressed,

“Obviously, the last year and a half have been quite challenging for me, my family, and everyone.”

“I have a feeling that no matter what you want to do, something will happen, so I just take everything step by step, and to enjoy every moment and not make any choices you would regret. I just want to enjoy it.”

“Now, at the moment, what you see in the last months, after everything that happened, it’s been a great moment for me to be here today, to speak about the final.

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I just want to enjoy it, and I hope I can enjoy it even more tomorrow. I think it will take a few months or probably a few years to realise what has happened in the previous years.”

The former Ajax forward was diagnosed with cancer in July 2022, just two weeks after his transfer from the Dutch club to Dortmund.

Haller’s journey toward overcoming the illness has been nothing short of captivating. With the issue now behind him, the forward hopes he can propel his side to AFCON glory against Nigeria.

Musa downplays Ivory Coast's form

Sports Brief in another report stated that the captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ahmed Musa, has downplayed the recent resurgence of Ivory Coast at the AFCON.

The tournament hosts have successfully overcome their group stage woes and have, against all odds, clinched a spot in the final of the showpiece.