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Hosts Cote d’Ivoire lifts 2023 AFCON cup

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Hosts Cote d’Ivoire lifts 2023 AFCON cup

Resurrected Elephants bump Eagles to claim third African title

 

Photo Credit: CAFonline

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Hosts and tournament wonder team Cote d’Ivoire came from behind to defeat Nigeria and earn a third Africa Cup of Nations title in Abidjan on Sunday.

 

Pipped by the same Super Eagles in their second match of the competition and then routed 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea, the 1992 and 2015 champions only managed to limp into the knockout rounds as the lowest-ranked of the best four third-placed teams. However, they improved steadily in the campaign by throwing out Cup holders Senegal. Then they saw the back of neighbors Mali in the quarter-finals and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last four.

 

They were the abject underdogs going into Sunday’s final against a Nigerian side that had discovered an impregnable shape and played with courage, confidence, and conviction. Roared on by over 57,000 fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the Elephants jettisoned the form books and took the fight to the Super Eagles from the first blast of the whistle.

 

Sebastien Haller, the hero of the semi-final victory over the Leopards, failed to connect well in the 7th minute as the Elephants proved the more adventurous team, and the hosts then side-netted with 21 minutes on the clock.

 

Nigeria’s on-field Captain, William Ekong, scored his third goal of the tournament when he headed the ball powerfully beyond Yahia Fofana from Ademola Lookman’s corner kick in the 38th minute to put Nigeria ahead.

 

However, just as happened 40 years ago when they reached the Final on Ivorian soil, the Eagles could not hold onto the lead and eventually lost when Franck Kessie beat Stanley Nwabali with a header from another corner in the 62nd minute. Sebastien Haller flicked a pull-out past the Nigeria goal-tender with 10 minutes left.

 

It was Nigeria’s eighth AFCON Final, which they lost five times.

 

Captain William Ekong was named the Man of the Competition.

 

World Aquatics picks Beijing

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World Aquatics picks Beijing

To host the 2029 World Championships

 

 

On Sunday, World Aquatics selected Beijing as the host for the 2029 World Championships, bringing the event to an Olympic host city, Mathew De George reports for Swimming World.

 

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 and the 2022 Winter Games. The China Swimming Association and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports will organize the games. It will also include the World Aquatics Masters Championships later that year.

 

“Beijing has repeatedly welcomed major aquatics events, providing excellent conditions enabling our athletes to perform at their best. For this, we are deeply grateful,” World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam said in a press release.

 

“Thanks to our longstanding collaboration with our friends in China, we know the global aquatics community can look forward to world-class sporting action and entertainment in one of the world’s most iconic cities. We are also very thankful to the other cities interested in hosting. The World Aquatics Championships have become a compelling event for participants, spectators, viewers, partners, and organizers alike.”

 

“The People’s Republic of China is deeply passionate about aquatic sports. We have a proud history of welcoming the best aquatics athletes to our country,” China Swimming Association President Zhou Jihong said.

 

“We are therefore very honored that Beijing has been awarded the opportunity to host the world’s largest aquatics event, the World Aquatics Championships, in 2029.”

 

Beijing has never hosted a World Aquatics Championship before. Only one has ever been staged in China, the 2011 event in Shanghai. China hosted two short-course World Championships, in Shanghai in 2006 and Hangzhou in 2018.

Sites are already set for the 2025 championships (Singapore) and 2027 (Budapest).

 

Beijing 2029 will be the fourth time in the last five installments and the fifth in the previous seven that Worlds is held in Asia. World Aquatics will visit China three times in 2024, with the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing and the Diving World Cup Super Final in Xi’an in April, then a Swimming World Cup stop in Shanghai in October.

 

Beijing has hosted meets in the World Aquatics’ Swimming World Cup on 15 occasions and numerous events in other aquatic disciplines.

 

Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona

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Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona

Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona

 

Joyciline Jepkosgei wins the Barcelona Half Marathon (© Organisers) Photo credit: World Athletics

 

On Sunday, former world record-holders Kibiwott Kandie and Joyciline Jepkosgei secured a Kenyan double at the Edreams Mitja Zurich Marato Barcelona, a World Athletics Gold Label road race (11), World Athletics reports.

 

Held in pleasant weather conditions (10C and no wind), Jepkosgei took eight seconds off the course record by clocking 1:04:29 to move to sixth on the world’s all-time list. Kandie, the second-fastest man in history for the distance, triumphed with a 59:22 clocking after being challenged by his compatriot Roncer Konga for much of the race.

 

After the 2019 world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich withdrew, the women’s event became a duel between Jepkosgei and Ethiopia’s Senberi Teferi. That duo and Kenya’s Gladys Chepkirui followed the pacemaker through the opening five kilometers in a brisk 15:19.

 

Jepkosgei and Teferi broke away and reached the 10km checkpoint at 30:19, 21 seconds ahead of Chepkirui. Further back, Britain’s Jessica Warner-Judd was in fourth position, passing through 10km in 31:32 and well on schedule to improve her lifetime best.

 

Jepkosgei and Teferi continued their relentless rhythm throughout the second half, clocking 45:34 for 15km, almost a full minute ahead of Chepkurui (46:30), with the Briton a further adrift.

 

The critical moment came during the 18th kilometer when 2015 world 5000m silver medallist Teferi could no longer keep up with Jepkosgei’s 3:03/km cadence and gradually lost ground. By 20km (1:01:02), Jepkosgei had a solid 14-second lead on her rival and was on pace to break the course record of 1:04:37, set last year.

 

The 2018 world half marathon silver medallist crossed the line in a course record of 1:04:29, improving her lifetime best – set when finishing second here last year – by 17 seconds. Teferi finished second but was rewarded with a big PB of 1:04:40 to move to 10th on the world all-time list.

 

Chepkurui completed a classy podium in 1:06:34, and Warner-Judd was fourth in a PB of 1:07:07.

 

“I finished second here last year, so I was determined to win today,” said Jepkosgei, whose winning time is also a world-leading mark. “The course record and PB are bonuses.”

 

The men’s contest kicked off at a moderate 2:53/km cadence with all the main favorites in close attendance in the guise of Kandie, his compatriots Hillary Kipkoech, Emmanuel Moi Maru, Roncer Konga, Mathew Kimeli, and Ethiopians Dinkalem Ayele and Chindessa Debele Gudeta. Four weeks after his national 10km record of 27:20 in Valencia, Swedish debutant Andreas Almgren was also in the pack.

 

After an opening 5km of 14:22, the second section was covered in a quicker 13:49, but the large lead group remained intact. Once the pacemaker had finished his job, the relatively unheralded Konga broke away from the pack. At the same time, three-time Valencia Half Marathon winner Kandie remained in the chasing group.

 

Konga had built an 11-second advantage over his pursuers by the 15km checkpoint (42:02), but Kandie, Kipkoech, Ayele, Maru, Kimeli, and Almgren all had Konga in their sights.

 

Kandie, who lowered his marathon PB to 2:04:48 in Valencia two months ago, made a move with two kilometers to go and soon managed to catch Konga. The duo ran together for just over half a kilometer before Kandie found another gear to pull away and secure victory in 59:22.

 

Former track specialist Almgren overtook Konga and Ayele in the closing stages to finish just one second behind Kandie in a national record of 59:23, making him the second-fastest European ever.

 

Konga managed to hold on to third place in 59:28, two seconds ahead of Ayele.

“When Konga broke away, I preferred to stay quiet and relaxed,” said Kandie, who has been training in Xiamen for most of January. “I was confident of winning, and it finally happened.”

 

Emeterio Valiente for World Athletics

 

Leading results

 

Women
1 Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 1:04:29
2 Senbere Teferi (ETH) 1:04:40
3 Gladys Chepkurui (KEN) 1:06:34
4 Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) 1:07:07
5 Abbie Donnelly (GBR) 1:09:10

 

Men
1 Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 59:22
2 Andreas Almgren (SWE) 59:23
3 Roncer Kipkorir Konga (KEN) 59:28
4 Dinkalem Ayele (ETH) 59:30
5 Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 59:37

 

Montag breaks Oceania record

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Montag breaks Oceania record

Dunfee and Swan share the honors in Adelaide

 

Evan Dunfee Credit World Athletics

 

World silver medallist Jemima Montag, Evan Dunfee, and Kyle Swan shared the accolades at the Australian and Oceania 20km Race Walking Championships in Adelaide on Sunday (11), World Athletics reports.

 

Australians Montag and Swan won the national and area titles, while Canada’s Dunfee – not eligible for either title – was the first to cross the line in the men’s race on a warm and sunny morning in the South Australian state capital. The race was also a World Athletics Race Walking Tour Silver competition.

 

The early morning start meant athletes could dodge the expected heat of an Adelaide summer day. Most of the course has some shade protection from the morning sun.

 

If the impact of the sun was mitigated, the heat of competition was more intense. Montag faced two strong rivals: Olympic silver medallist Sandra Arenas and four-time world champion Liu Hong. The Colombian Arenas made the first significant injection of pace, some 13.5km into the women’s race, prompting Montag to switch her focus from the tempo to the competition.

 

Ultimately, her thought process changed Montag to a win – her sixth successive national title – and an Oceania record of 1:27:09, taking nine seconds off her mark at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.

 

“I was not expecting the move,” Montag told Athletics Australia. “It was pretty abrupt. My brain told me to give up and let her go, but in track and field, you need to be flexible with your plan – I didn’t want to let her get too far ahead and regret it later.

 

“I was trying to think one lap at a time; I couldn’t even really see the clock, which is perfect,” added Montag. “Two years ago, when I broke the national record for the first time, all I thought about was the time, which made me tense and uptight.”

 

Not this time. Montag held her form to the line, finishing 16 seconds ahead of Arenas. China’s Liu, the 2016 Olympic champion, was third in 1:27:44.

 

The three women have been training together in Australia. Montag’s coach, Brett Vallance, said she was “tickled pink” to have this level of training and racing available. They had already raced before Adelaide, Montag defeating Arenas over 10,000m on the track in a World Race Walking Tour bronze competition in Canberra on 26 January, with Liu finishing fourth.

 

Rebecca Henderson (1:30:40) and Olivia Sanders (1:30:52) took the silver and bronze Oceania and national medals, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

 

Dunfee likewise won the men’s 10,000m in Canberra, making it two from two on what has become almost an annual Summer Down Under tour. He was an unchallenged winner by 29 seconds in 1:19:23 – the second-fastest time of his career – demonstrating that the Canadian is likely to remain a force in world race walking for a little longer.

 

He has been a constant force to runner-up Swan, at least, who told Athletics Australia: “I can remember training with him when I was 16 and being inspired, so to go out and race with him like that was fulfilling.”

 

Swan’s 1:19:52 was second only to his personal best 1:19:24 in Nomi, Japan, last year, and the significance of that time was not lost on Vallance, who coaches him as well as Montag.

 

“Sub-80 in February in Adelaide,” said Vallance. “The only other sub-80s at the height of an Australian summer have been Nathan Deakes, Jared Tallent, and Dane Bird-Smith – all Olympic or World Championship medallists – and a couple of good internationals in Dunfee and Perseus Karlstrom.”

 

Rhydian Cowley took the silver medal in the Oceania and Australian Championships, finishing third in 1:21:01, with the Jared Tallent-coached Tim Fraser next in 1:22:03.

 

Australia’s best male racewalker, Declan Tingay, missed the championships as he completed his rehabilitation from a hamstring strain. He remains on track to resume competition at next month’s World Race Walking Tour Gold meeting in Taicang, China, and April’s World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya, Turkiye.

 

Len Johnson for World Athletics

 

Leading results

 

Women
1 Jemima Montag (AUS) 1:27:09
2 Sandra Arenas (COL) 1:27:25
3 Liu Hong (CHN) 1:27:44
4 Rebecca Henderson (AUS) 1:30:40
5 Olivia Sandery (AUS) 1:30:52
6 Hannah Mison (AUS) 1:35:27

 

Men
1 Evan Dunfee (CAN) 1:19:23
2 Kyle Swan (AUS) 1:19:52
3 Rhydian Cowley (AUS) 1:21:01
4 Timothy Fraser (AUS) 1:22:03
5 Marius Ziukas (LTU) 1:22:15
6 Will Thompson (AUS) 1:23:03

 

AFCON 2023 final: Nigeria v Cote d’Ivoire

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AFCON 2023 final: Nigeria v Cote d’Ivoire

Facts and figures

 

 

Nigeria will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday in Abidjan.

 

Below are the facts and figures for the match:

 

  • This is the second time Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire will face in the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, following the 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles in the group stages. Côte d’Ivoire haven’t beaten them at AFCON since the 2008 group stages, a 1-0 win.

 

  • Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are meeting for the eighth time at the Africa Cup of Nations (three wins for Nigeria, two for Côte d’Ivoire, D2), including in all three AFCON editions where the Super Eagles have won the competition (group stage draw in 1980, a 4-2 Nigeria win on pens after a 2-2 semi-final draw in 1994 and a 2-1 Nigeria win in the quarter-finals in 2013).

 

  • Following their 1-0 win in the group stages over Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria will be looking to beat the same nation twice in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament for the first time since 2006 when they beat Senegal in the group stage and third-place playoff.

 

  • Côte d’Ivoire is the first host nation to reach the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final since Egypt in 2006, who won the trophy that year on penalties against Côte d’Ivoire after a 0-0 draw. Five of the last six host nations to reach the final have won the tournament, except Nigeria in 2000 (drew 2-2 with Cameroon and lost 4-3 on penalties).

 

  • Nigeria are playing in their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final, only Egypt and Ghana (both 9) have played in more such games in the competition (excluding final groups). The Super Eagles have been victorious in two of their last three (1994 and 2013, lost on penalties in 2000), having lost their three beforehand (1984, 1988, and 1990).

 

  • All four of Côte d’Ivoire’s previous CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals have ended goalless and gone to penalties – they won two of those shootouts (1992 and 2015, both vs. Ghana) and lost two (2006 vs. Egypt and 2012 vs. Zambia).

 

  • Côte d’Ivoire won 17 of their last 18 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations when scoring the first goal (D1). Their last defeat was in the 2010 quarter-final against Algeria, losing 3-2. Nigeria, meanwhile, is unbeaten in 22 AFCON games when scoring first (W19 D3) since a 3-1 loss to Egypt in 2010.

 

  • The two most common scorelines in CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals are 1-0 (eight times) and 0-0 (seven times) – since 2002, nine of the 11 finals have ended in one of those scorelines, with the other two 2-1 wins for Tunisia in 2004 and Cameroon in 2017.

 

  • Since the last time they conceded three goals in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations match (1-3 vs Egypt in 2010), Nigeria has only conceded 16 goals in 28 games at AFCON (0.57 per game). Only eight of those 16 goals have come in open play, including just one at this year’s tournament.

 

  • William Troost-Ekong has scored from four of his five shots on target at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations overall for Nigeria, converting two penalties at this year’s tournament. He’s one of only four Nigerians to score two penalties at a single AFCON, along with Samuel Ojebode (1976), Jay-Jay Okocha (2004), and Victor Moses (2013), although excluding shootouts, the last penalty scored in an AFCON final was in 1988 (Emmanuel Kundé for Cameroon vs Nigeria).

 

  • All six of Côte d’Ivoire’s goals at AFCON 2023 have been scored by different players (Fofana, Krasso, Kessié, Adingra, Diakité, and Haller); they last had more goal scorers in a single edition in 2008 (8).

 

  • Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has had 24 shots at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, although he’s only managed one goal (4% conversion rate). Since 2010, the only players to attempt more shots at a single AFCON tournament are Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan (25 shots, 1 goal in 2013) and Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar (31 shots, eight goals in 2021).

 

  • Côte d’Ivoire’s Evan Ndicka has completed 367 passes at this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations – since 2010, that is a record by a player at a single tournament. In an AFCON final in that time, the most passes completed by a player is 81 by Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly in 2021 vs Egypt.

 

  • Ola Aina has created seven chances for Nigerian teammate Victor Osimhen at this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations – it’s the most by one teammate to another at an AFCON tournament since 2013, when Charles Kaboré created nine chances for Aristide Bancé for Burkina Faso.

 

Titanic all-West African AFCON final clash

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Titanic all-West African AFCON final clash

Blockbuster final beckons as Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire collide

 

 

A titanic all-West African clash awaits on Sunday as Nigeria faces hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the TotalEnergies CAF Cup of Nations 2023 final. This heavyweight about sees two bitter rivals collide with continental glory at stake.

 

The showpiece final promises to be a battle of footballing giants at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

 

When these sides last met in the group stages, Nigeria emerged as a 1-0 victorian.

 

However, Cote d’Ivoire will be a different beast with redemption on the line. And Nigeria knows preventing the Elephants from winning a third TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on home soil represents their toughest test.

 

For Nigerian manager Jose Peseiro, outwitting Cote d’Ivoire boss Emerse Faé will be pivotal. Peseiro’s tactical nous guided Nigeria past South Africa on penalties in the semi-finals.

 

But Faé’s Elephants also showed grit to overcome DR Congo 1-0 last time out. Much will hinge on which coach ultimately prevails in this tactical tussle.

 

On the pitch, the stars will shine bright under the Abidjan lights. Cote d’Ivoire boast youngster Simon Adingra and prolific striker Sebastien Haller.

 

Yet Nigeria has talents like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in their ranks. With such pedigree on display, a goal-fest could await.

 

Osimhen especially knows a defining performance could await. The Napoli hotshot has led Nigeria’s charge, but his only goal came back in the group stage.

 

As Nigeria aims to turn consistent performers into AFCON immortals, Osimhen’s big-game pedigree may prove pivotal. A match-winning display would elevate him into Nigerian folklore.

 

Cote d’Ivoire’s dangerman Haller also approaches the final stage, seeking redemption. After injury troubles, the striker found form when it mattered most.

 

Haller hopes to fire Cote d’Ivoire to their first AFCON title since 2015 on home soil. His goals could prove the difference as the Elephants chase their elusive third African crown.

 

If Haller brings his A-game, few defenses could contain this marauding marksman. Nigeria’s backline faces its most challenging examination yet.

 

Whoever prevails, African football emerges as the ultimate winner. This AFCON reaches a fitting crescendo with two heavyweights fighting for continental glory.

 

So bring on Sunday and brace for impact. When these bitter rivals collide, expect this final to live long in AFCON folklore at 2000 GMT.

 

AFCON final to be seen worldwide

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AFCON final to be seen worldwide

More than 170 Territories to show the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Grade Finale Tonight

 

 

  • Top International Broadcasters to Show Final of the AFCON
  • AFCON Cote d’Ivoire sets new TV audience records
  • Kick-off at 20h00 GMT
  • More cameras than ever before to give viewers an unforgettable experience 

 

Africa’s biggest event, TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, wraps up tonight with the grand finale between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe at 20h00 GMT.

 

The decisive match will be televised in 173 territories globally, making it by far the most-watched AFCON in the competition’s history and once again reaffirming its global appeal.

 

The Final will be beamed in 54 African countries, most of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, North America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

 

Leading the global broadcasters are CAF’s traditional partners, beIN Sport (MENA, Europe, America, South Pacific), Canal+, and New World TV. International broadcasters showing the competition include Sky Sport, BBC, Ziggo, OKKO, Sport Digital, ViaPlay, Sport Italia, A1, SuperSport, and Sport5.

 

Sport TV Portugal, LaLiga+, Sport Klub, SABC, Azam Media, AfroSport, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, SNRT, FanCode, BandTV, and many others.

 

The opening ceremony, featuring some global music stars, will start at 18h40. More investment has been made in TV production to improve the viewer experience. More than 33 cameras will be used for the Final for the first time.

Host nations Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria hope to add to their trophy haul when they face each other for the second time in the competition. The latter won the first encounter 1-0 at the same venue.

 

As the Ivorians are nicknamed, Les Elephants are hoping for a third title after 1992 and 2015, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons are targeting their fourth title after triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

 

Tay-Tay en route to the Super Bowl

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Tay-Tay en route to the Super Bowl

Chiefs owner’s daughter confirms: ‘She is coming’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after Sunday night's game. Photo credit: Hindustan Times

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after Sunday night’s game Photo credit: Hindustan Times

 

Pop sensation Taylor Swift is on her way to the Super Bowl, and the news comes straight from the source – Gracie Hunt, daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs’ owner

 

With excitement building for the big game, Hunt’s confirmation of Swift’s attendance has sent fans into a frenzy. Not only is the Cruel Summer singer arriving shortly to cheer on her beau, Travis Kelce, and his team.

 

According to Hunt, there’s even talk of an afterparty, Aditi Srivastava reports for Hindustan Times.

 

Taylor Swift arriving shortly at Super Bowl 2024

 

Around 4:00 PM PT, the 14-time Grammy winner touched down in Los Angeles from Tokyo, as previously reported.

 

However, contrary to expectations, she landed in Los Angeles instead of Las Vegas, where the upcoming game is scheduled.

 

Pictures obtained by TMZ suggest that Taylor may have headed to her Beverly Hills mansion. Nonetheless, as of now, the singer is en route to the Super Bowl.

 

Gracie Hunt, daughter of Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, spoke to People about the Super Bowl plans.

 

When asked about Taylor’s presence, she said, “She’s coming! She’s coming! We’re excited.” Ms. Hunt confirmed the pop star’s presence to watch Travis Kelce play during the Super Bowl Party red carpet event in Las Vegas on Saturday.

 

Chiefs Kingdom afterparty scheduled post-SuperBowl

 

Hunt also mentioned to the magazine that the team has an afterparty planned in case they win. However, she did not confirm whether Travis and Taylor would attend together. “There will be a Chiefs Kingdom afterparty that’s been planned.”

 

Gracie Hunt has been a big fan of Taylor and Travis since they started dating. Previously, she expressed how happy she is to see them together on the OutKick the Morning podcast in December.

 

“First, we’re excited to see two such phenomenal people happy. It’s so easy for us to cheer for and for the entire world to cheer for because they’re wonderful for each other, and it’s just been so fun to watch this love story unfold.” She said.

 

Since the Chiefs secured their place in the Super Bowl, there’s been a lot of excitement about whether Taylor Swift will be there, especially after wrapping up her recent Tokyo tour.

 

The Midnight singer has not only boosted viewership for the game but also turned it into a star-studded affair. Swift’s connection with the Chiefs’ tight end and the NFL has even attracted people who aren’t typically football fans to tune in for the Super Bowl.

 

Who is Jose Peseiro, Nigeria’s coach?

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Who is Jose Peseiro, Nigeria’s coach?

Final: What you should know about the Super Eagles boss

 

 

On Sunday, February 11, Nigeria will take to the field to play Cotê d’Ivoire in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

 

This will be Nigeria’s eighth final in the competition’s history, with three wins to their credit.

 

Portuguese trainer José Peseiro led the Super Eagles to their eighth final after a penalty shootout win over South Africa.

 

CafOnline.com throws more light on how the journey has been for Peseiro.

 

Appointment

 

José Peseiro was appointed two years ago as the head coach of the Nigerian national team after they failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

 

Struggles

 

The NFF maintained their faith in Peseiro when the country struggled to get results months into his appointment.

 

He did his duty even when the fans lost his trust.

 

The success story

 

The Portuguese built a solid Nigerian side, which is challenging to beat by blending young players with the experience in the setup.

 

One of the key things he did to improve the Nigeria squad was the introduction of Stanley Nwabili into the setup.

 

Two years later, Nigeria is in the finals with the best defensive unit, conceding just two goals.

 

Final – Nigeria Players to watch

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Final – Nigeria Players to watch

AS Super Eagles of Nigeria face off against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in an epic AFCON 2023 showdown

 

 

In less than 24 hours, the Super Eagles of Nigeria face off against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in an epic showdown of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Final.

 

The 34th edition of Africa’s biggest football showpiece draws to a close with a battle of African football giants looking at adding to their continental titles.

 

This will be their fourth title for the Super Eagles, should the African football gods smile their way.

 

CAFOnline looks at some of the critical stars that will be instrumental for Nigeria ahead of the final.

 

Stanley Nwabali

 

It’s the final wall of defense for the Super Eagles. Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire, producing heroic saves that have seen him only concede one goal from open play en route to the final.

 

The Chippa United keeper was also the day’s hero in the semi-final against South Africa, where he saved two penalties from ushering Nigeria into their finals.

 

William Troost-Ekong

 

The Super Eagles skipper has provided outstanding on-field leadership from behind. His experience and command as the last line of defense have proven crucial in the explosive Nigerian attack.

 

A man who is always ready to step up and take responsibility, Troost-Ekong is undoubtedly one for the big occasion when the chips are down.

 

Victor Osimhen

 

The reigning African footballer of the year has played an excellent role for Nigeria. Despite not being able to find the back of the net as much as he would have liked, Victor Osimhen has been troublesome to defenders, also creating goalscoring chances and setting pieces and penalties for his side.

 

The final presents the perfect platform for the hitman to close off the tournament in style, and they will be hoping to get a goal or two against the hosts.

 

Ademola Lookman

 

Ademola Lookman will undoubtedly consider closing off an impressive tournament with one last-star performance.

 

The dangerman has terrorized defenders with his speed, skill, and impassive ability to find goals. Currently on three goals and hungry for more, Lookman is a crucial figure for the Nigerians as they attempt a fourth continental title.

 

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