‘The super Eagles’ of Nigeria will battle today with ‘The Elephants ‘ of Ivory coast in the final of the AFCON tournament to decide which country will emerge as new crowned champions of Africa.
Nigeria and the host country, ivory coast have met in the group stage of the tournament with Nigeria easing past them with a lone goal scored from the penalty spot by Ekong .
Ahead of the match tonight, super Eagles coach Jose peseiro plays down the tag given to Nigeria as the favourites to lift the trophy. He stated that:
“There’s no favourite for the final. Each side has a 50 percent chance, but we are determined to win this trophy.”
Speaking about Nigeria’s star player of the tournament Victor Osihmen, peseiro was full of praise for striker’s work rate in the team .
“He doesn’t play like he’s a star. He fights for the team and is completely unselfish.”
The host Nation is also determined to lift the trophy after a disappointing start in the tournament. Ivory coast interim coach Emerse Fae took over from the head coach, Gasset from his position as assistant coach, after Gasset was sacked due to the team poor outing in the group stage of the tournament, winning only one match in group A and losing two, also conceding 7 goals to finish third place in the group though lucky to qualify as best losers. Fae revived hope for the disappointed Ivorian fans by guilding the team to the finals.
The new coach shockingly eliminated Senegal one of the tournament favourites and their neighbours, Mali then DR congo to reach the final with probability of winning their third AFCON trophy.
Ivory coast fans now calls Fae, ‘the special one’ a tittle he’s reluctant to accept maybe until he is able to win against Nigeria today.
Before today’s final Match between the two west African countries, their all time head to head is as follows:
NIGERIA : 9 Wins
Ivory Coast: 9 Wins
Draws : 10
