Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Elephants of Ivory Coast, former Wycombe Wanderers player, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Dr. Kelechi Anyikude (KelechiAFC), have backed Nigeria to lift their fourth AFCON title on Sunday night.
Three-time champions Nigeria will lock horns against two-time winners and host Ivory Coast in their quest to lift the prestigious continental title once again at the 60,000-capacity Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé this Sunday.
While speaking on LEADERSHIP Instagram Live Sports Show on Saturday, Akinfenwa, who scored over 206 goals during his professional career in Europe, rated high the AFCON tournament due to the quality of play and officiating while calling on the Super Eagles to win the African ultimate title.
“It’s going to be a tough game in the final, between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Ivory are a good team, they will be having the fans behind them. Nigeria should continue with their tactics they have been using throughout the tournament and take it as another game, they should play the game and not the occasion,” he said.
“Nigeria should bring home the title and we will be here to celebrate them. My prediction is Nigeria winning Ivory Coast 2-1. I must say that quality of play and officiating have been great, also VAR. I am very impressed with competition pitches as well,” he added.
On his part, KelechiAFC revealed that the mood around the Super Eagles’ camp was in high spirits, and the players were read for the game while adding that Nigerian fans have stormed Abidjan to support the Super Eagles to victory.
“I was with the Nigerian players earlier today (Saturday), I can tell you that the mood of the players is high and fired up looking forward to win the title, as fans were supporting them all the way.
“I can see a lot of Nigerians coming in for the final, we know it’s not going to be an easy game, but my predictions is 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.”
Recall that both Nigeria and Ivory Coast have played 28 times previously as both teams have won nine times each and there have been 10 draws between them, while in their most recent encounter, William Troost-Ekong’s spot kick goal ensured Nigeria1-0 victory over host Ivory Coast during the group stage of the ongoing 2023 AFCON.
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