AFCON 2023: Drogba wary of Eagles
Didier Drogba
Former Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, is wary of the threat the Super Eagles will pose to the chances of Elephants in Group A when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in January 2024, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Elephants are hoping to win their third AFCON title after emerging champions in 1992 and 2015 while Nigeria buoyed by the reigning African Footballer of The Year, Victor Osimhen will aim to lift their fourth in history.
Hosts Ivory Coast are drawn in Group A against three-time winners Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Drogba, who featured at five AFCON tournament editions and led the Ivoirians to the final in 2012 when they lost 8-7 on penalties to Zambia after extra time ended goalless, expects a very difficult group for the hosts.
“There’s no such thing as a generous draw because all the teams deserve to be here and they’re going to fight,” Drogba, who scored 65 goals for the Elephants told the BBC.
“Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen and all the players they have, is a big team. We mustn’t forget the other two teams because there are always surprises.
“I think that our main asset will be to focus on our game, our team, our strengths and try to progress. It’s up to us to make the most of it, get behind our team and make sure the trophy stays at home.”
The Eagles last won the AFCON 10 years ago in South Africa and they defeated Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals on the way to that triumph in 2013.
Meanwhile, Eagles’ coach, Jose Peseiro, remains upbeat about the chances of his side, ahead of the forthcoming 2023 AFCON.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the Portuguese coach, said, “We want to win the AFCON, so it’s not important to choose or want to avoid any opponent.
“The best moments are all those I was and I’m with my players, working to improve our organisation and our team spirit.”
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