Didier Drogba has warned Jean-Louis Gasset and his players before the start of the African Cup of Nations. The Elephants legend focused in particular on Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire’s opponents in the competition’s group matches.
In a few weeks’ time, the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations will kick off in Côte d’Ivoire, from 13 January to 11 February 2024. As they await the start of hostilities, the teams are continuing to prepare. The main focus is on the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, which is also regularly mentioned as one of the favourites, along with Senegal, Algeria and Morocco. When the draw was made, Côte d’Ivoire was drawn in a group with Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and above all Nigeria. The latter is an opponent Didier Drogba is dreading.
Drogba wary of Nigeria
The former striker believes that Nigeria pose a serious threat to the Elephants in the group phase of the competition. The hosts face Nigeria in their second Group A match at the Stade Alassane Quattara in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on 18 January. The top two teams in the group are guaranteed a place in the last 16. Drogba believes that the Super Eagles are a great team that will pose problems for his compatriots, especially with Victor Osimhen.
“There’s no such thing as a generous draw because all the teams deserve to be here and they’re going to fight. Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen and all his players, is a great team. We mustn’t forget the other two teams, because there are always surprises,” Drogba, who scored 65 goals for the Elephants, told the BBC.
Salomon Kalou also wary of Nigeria
Like Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou also had his say on Nigeria. For the former winger, Côte d’Ivoire should be wary of all their opponents in their group. While mentioning the threat posed by Nigeria, the former Chelsea winger also warned the Ivorian players about Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
“Firstly, it’s a group of very good teams, starting with Nigeria, who are a very dangerous team. At every African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles show great potential,” said Kalou.
“At the last edition, Equatorial Guinea did well and Guinea Bissau could be the surprise package of the group. We’ll have to respect all the teams and above all win the first match to get the competition off to a good start, because that’s where it all starts,” he added.
Victor Osimhen announces his ambitions
Like Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen also has big ambitions for the next Africa Cup of Nations. Absent from the last edition, the Napoli striker wants to take the Super Eagles far from the competition.
Speaking on Wazobia FM radio, the 2023 African Player of the Year clearly set his sights on what promises to be an exciting tournament.
“We have an excellent team that will do well, and I’m proud of the team,” he began by saying on Wazobia FM. “We are fighting for the team because it is a privilege to play for Nigeria. We expect greatness, we will aim for the trophy,” he continued. We have experienced players and managers like Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi, who have been helpful to the young players.”
The two teams will meet on 18 January 2024, on the second day of the group phase. Côte d’Ivoire will begin their tournament with Guinea Bissau on 13 January and will conclude the group phase with Equatorial Guinea on 22 January.
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