AFCON 2023 kicks off in Ivory Coast
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off today with a tricky tie between Ivory Coast and Guniea-Bissau. The 34th edition of the tournament is considered one of the most wide-open in recent times, with several teams capable of lifting the title on February 11.
The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside hosts, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
This group is straightforward on paper as Ivory Coast and Nigeria have better players than the other two nations, so, most would fancy both to easily progress to the knockout stages.
The Elephants are hosting the event for the second time and are looking for their third continental title. They last won it in 2015 at the tail end of their Golden Generation.
They have a young squad led by the experienced Max Gradel, who was part of the 2015 title-winning team. The likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolas Pepe, Ibrahim Snagare, and Franck Kessie should make qualification easy for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Nigeria have been accused many times for underachieving at the tournament. They have reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen in their strike force, so they are expected to get through. They are making their 20th AFCON appearance and are eyeing a fourth continental title.
