The 2023 AFCON at Ivory Coast played in 2024 seems to be the most dramatic and enchanted competition ever. It has produced moments that will reflect and produce a whole new perspective to how Africans and the world view and treat the competition going forward.

In the Euros 2016 tournament, we see a team that came third lifting the cup. The Portugal team drew their three games at the group stages and came up with just the three point and were only able to qualify to the next as best losers.

It became something else when the beat Group D winners, Croatia at the round of 16 to advance to the knockout stages. Football is always that game that give you something to think about - You can come from behind and do great things. At the quarterfinals, they beat Poland 5 to 3 at penalties to qualify for the semis where they eventually face Wales who were the better team beating Belgium 3 goals to 1.

Portugal managed a 2 to 0 win over Wales to set up a strong final against France, a team that has also been extraordinary throughout the tournament sitting at the top of group A with two wins and a draw. The Portugal team later won the final to lift the trophy. It is also important to note that there was a major set back for the Portugal team when the magician, Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at the 25th minutes. The game ended 1 to 0 in their favour.

I gave this rundown to highlight the fact that we are witnessing a similar feat being pulled by the Ivorian team who qualified to the round of sixteen (16) as bet losers and now are in the final of this competition. Nothing should be taken for granted.

Nigerian patriots who have already given up on the team following their not-too-good performances in recent competitions and matches have all being joyed up seeing them in the finals of the tournament as well. Also worthy of mention is the Head coach, Peseiro who many have called to resign after the tournament being seen now as a great coach.

The stakes are high for both teams as all cards have been bared on the table as we anticipate a fierce final. Ivory coast is hosting the tournament and will also want to move their tally of two (2) titles at the AFCON to three (3) having won it last in 2015, eight years ago under Coach Hervé Renard. This is also coming the Nigerian team with three wins with their most recent happening 2013 under the great Coach Stephen Keshi.

Nigeria's pride as the giant of Africa, owner of Jollof rice and arguably the best footballing country on the western part of Africa is at stake..
Can this be savaged! Time will tell truly on the 11th of February, 2024.

Pictures were sourced from google/twitter.

https://menconfluence..com/2024/02/totalenergiesafcon2023-and-stakes.html