"SUPER EAGLES WERE PHENOMENAL" - IVORY COAST COACH GASSET WEIGHS NIGERIA'S THREAT AHEAD OF AFCON SHOWDOWN

As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the clash between two African football giants, Nigeria's Super Eagles and Cote D’Ivoire's Elephants, looms large. The outcome of this match could significantly impact both teams' title ambitions.

Hosted by Cote D’Ivoire, the tournament's Group A includes Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles are set to face Equatorial Guinea, while the Elephants will take on Guinea-Bissau in the opening matches. However, it's the Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast fixture on January 18 that captures the spotlight, with the victor likely to secure the top spot in the group.

Jean-Louis Gasset, the head coach of Cote D’Ivoire, acknowledges the tough challenge posed by Nigeria's Super Eagles. He expressed a desire to face Nigeria later in the tournament, possibly when qualification for the knockout rounds would be assured. Despite acknowledging that both teams may not be as dominant as in the past, he remains cautious of a Nigerian squad that boasts significant value and potential at the tournament.

The anticipation for this high-stakes encounter between two African football powerhouses adds excitement to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, and it will be a pivotal moment in the tournament's early stages. Both teams will be eager to make a strong impression and advance in pursuit of continental glory.

      "Regrettably, our second match pairs us with Nigeria," Gasset conveyed to ACLSports. 

       "I would have preferred it to be our final encounter. While they say the Elephants' and Nigeria's past greatness has diminished,  we can observe similar changes. 

        In the past, the Super Eagles were outstanding, but times have evolved. Nevertheless, they remain a formidable team capable of outclassing any opponent in the competition, so one must exercise caution.

Although Nigeria and Ivory Coast are favored in Group A, Gasset doesn't underestimate Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea's potential to be competitive.

        "Since the draw, I've repeatedly heard that Cote D’Ivoire and Nigeria are the likely qualifiers from our group. I find that notion rather amusing," remarked the Frenchman.

         "This is the AFCON, a prestigious competition where every qualified team strives for victory. Expect the unexpected. As the host nation, our primary goal is ultimate success, but we must establish a strong foundation in the group stage."

Nigeria, four-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions with their last win in 2013, are determined to clinch their fifth AFCON title when the tournament commences on January 13, 2024. This ambition exceeds the Ivorians' two-time AFCON triumphs. The Super Eagles aim to add to their impressive AFCON legacy.