Drogba said even though Super Eagles are one of the favourites to lift the AFCON Cup, Cote d’Ivoire are ready for the challenge
By Kehinde Okeowo
Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba has described the match between the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations billed to kick-off in January 2024 as an “exciting challenge”.
The hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, will face three-time champions, Nigeria in Group A, alongside Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau following Thursday’s final draw in Abidjan.
The draw which was conducted at the brand-new Parc des Expositions, Abidjan also saw 24 teams across the African continent evenly divided into six groups.
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Speaking on the development, the former Cote d’Ivoire forward told CAFonline that the Elephants’ group game against the Super Eagles promises to be a thrilling early test for his country.
He also acknowledged that Nigeria is one of the pre-tournament’s favourites, but added that the Ivorian players are up for the challenge.
In his words: “It is a very difficult group. Nigeria is of course one of the favourites and to have them in our group, it is going to be an exciting challenge.
“But we are up for it. This is the beauty of a competition like AFCON, so we are ready to take on the challenge and let the best teams of this group and all the groups qualify.”