Super Eagles of Nigeria have expressed optimism to defeat the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire at the final of the African Cup of Nations coming up at Alassane Quattara Stadium, Abidjan on Sunday night.
Nigeria started the tournament on a low ebb with a 1-1 draw with the Equatorial Guinea, but have gone from there to be favourites after beating the hosts in the group stage.
The Jose Peseiro side also beat African giants and rivals like Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and Bafana Bafana of South Africa to advance at the biggest continental football showpiece.
While Nigeria are looking to clinch their fourth title having won it in 1980, 1994 and 2013, Ivory Coast would not be pushover as they get better in the tournament as well.
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The hosts will be at an advantage of the fans filling up the stadium with orange, including the motivation of Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba.
Regardless, of threats, Super Eagles on their X account on Sunday evening wrote “We shall win the cup today by the special grace of God. Who else shares this believe (sic)?”
Current African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, will be leading the pack of Eagles attack, as William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi face the difficult task of tightening the defence.
Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who has been impressive in this competition must also be at his beet to deny Soko Fofana, Sebastien Haller, Simon Adingra upfront.
Nigerians home and abroad would be standing behind Super Eagles to win the title.