Kalou, a former Côte d’Ivoire international, added that it was a great feeling to win AFCON on home soil in 2023.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Ivorian winger, Salomon Kalou, has suggested Nigeria avoid facing his country if they want to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He offered the advice after Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of winning the trophy.”
The Chippa United shot-stopper, while speaking on SuperSports recently, said the Super Eagles are motivated to deliver a better result after losing 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 AFCON final in Abidjan.
Nwabali said, “AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa.
”As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.”
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He added, “Playing the final last year, I feel this year we are going to win it.”
Reacting to Nwabali’s comments on the same channel, Kalou said Nigeria can only win the trophy if they avoid facing Cote d’Ivoire.
He said, “For Nigeria to win, maybe they need to avoid Cote d’Ivoire.”
Speaking further on Cote d’Ivoire’s victory in 2023, he added, “It is a great feeling to win especially when you win at home, in front of your people, the whole stadium, I think no feeling can beat that.
”You can ask any player that played at the high level, winning for your country is something different. It doesn’t touch close to winning for your club in Europe.”
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will play Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C of the tournament.
