Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Jose Mourinho Makes AFCON Final Prediction

• Jose Mourinho will be watching the 2023 AFCON final
• The former AS Roma boss has picked the winner
• Nigeria face Ivory Coast in the final tonight

Veteran coach Jose Mourinho has made his 2023 AFCON final prediction.

Nigeria and Ivory Coast face off in an eagerly anticipated final showdown tonight to decide the winner of the 34th edition.

Nigeria are regarded as favourites after an impressive run to the final, but many have warned about Ivory Coast's never-say-die attitude, which has carried them to the final, per CAF.

Mourinho, who was recently fired as coach of AS Roma, said he is looking forward to his friend, Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro, lifting the trophy tonight.

"My best friend in football is in the final. The Nigerian coach is my best friend, he grew up with me, we studied together, we went to the university on the same day. We spent five years together every day. He's probably my biggest friend in football. For him it's a huge opportunity to make history because no Portuguese has ever won the African cup," he said vis FIVE UK.

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Nigeria last lifted the title in 2013 under Super Eagles legend, the late Stephen Keshi. They will be looking for their fourth AFCON title and their second in the 21st century.

Peseiro's record in finals

Sports Brief earlier reported on Peseiro's record in finals in his managerial career ahead of the Nigeria vs Ivory Coast final.

The Portuguese coach has been a football coach since the early 90s and has coached some biggest clubs in Portugal, including Porto and Sporting CP.

The 63-year-old doesn't have a good record in finals. Can he lead Nigeria to glory?

What Nigeria need to beat Ivory Coast

Sports Brief earlier reported on things Peseiro's Nigeria need to do to defeat Ivory Coast in the final.

The first thing the Super Eagles need is to deal with the crowd. The Elephants are playing at home and will be cheered on by tens of thousands of fans in the stands.

The Super Eagles will also need to contain Franck Kessie, one of Ivory Coast's better performers at the tournament.