Odilon Kossounou: Bayer Leverkusen Celebrates Defender After Returning From AFCON as Champion

• Odilon Kossounou has returned to German club Bayer Leverkusen
• The Ivorian defender rejoins his teammates as African champion
• Kossounou helped the Ivory Coast beat Nigeria to win AFCON 2023

Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou received a special welcome from Bayer Leverkusen following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The defender starred as the Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback to beat Nigeria and win the 2023 Nations Cup on home soil.

Kossounou started in the final after missing the semi-final against DR Congo, playing a key role in the victory over Nigeria.

In photos posted on social media, the centre-back's image holding the AFCON trophy was displayed on Leverksuen's scoreboard in celebration of the player. '

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The 23-year-old is expected to join his teammates in training on Friday as preparations continue ahead of the game on Saturday against Heidenheim.

The 21-time capped Ivorian has been an important player for Leverkusen since joining them from Belgium giants Club Brugge in 2021.

Kossounou will be hoping to help the Bundesliga leaders with the title for the first time this season.

On Saturday, the Black and Reds opened a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table after beating rivals Bayern Munich 3-0, as reported by BBC.

Haller receives heroic welcome at Dortmund

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sebastien Haller received a kingly welcome following his return to Borussia Dortmund as an Africa Cup of Nations winner.

The Dortmund forward scored the winner as Ivory Coast came from a goal down to beat Nigeria and win their third AFCON title.

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Having missed the opening round of games due to injury, the 29-year-old proved important for the Elephants, netting the winner in the semi-final against DR Congo and the decisive goal against the Super Eagles.

Nsue presents Golden Boot to teammates

Sports Brief also reported that Equatorial Guinea star, Emilio Nsue was given a warm welcome following his return to his club, CF Intercity in Spain.

The 34-year-old returned to Spain as the top scorer from the just-ended Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Nsue scored five goals to win the Golden Boot despite Equatorial Guinea exiting the tournament at the round of 16 stage, where they were beaten by Guinea.