AFCON 2023 FINAL: A Thrilling Encounter
By Muzammil Dalha Yola, SWAN KANO
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final is set to take place on Sunday, February 11th, 2024 at Ivory Coast, where Nigeria and Ivory Coast will face off. This highly anticipated matchup will mark the 16th encounter between the two teams, with Nigeria having won 7 times, lost 5, and drawn 3 in the previous 15 meetings.
As the host country, Cote D’Ivoire will be making their 5th appearance in the AFCON final, having secured 2 wins against Ghana and suffered defeats to Egypt in 2006 as well as Zambia in 2012. This year, they are determined to claim victory on their home turf.
On the other hand, Nigeria will be making their 8th appearance in the AFCON final, having secured 3 wins in 1980 against Algeria, 1994 against Zambia, and 2013 against Burkina Faso. Also suffered 4 losses in their previous appearances in 1984, 1988 and 2000 against Cameroun, while in 1990 was against Algeria. Their experience in such high-pressure matches will certainly be an advantage.
In terms of overall AFCON final appearances, Egypt leads the pack with 10 appearances, followed by Ghana with 9, and Nigeria with 8. Cameroon has made 7 appearances, while Ivory Coast is in their 5th final. Algeria, Zambia, Tunisia, Sudan, and Senegal have each made 3 appearances.
This final is sure to be a thrilling match between two strong teams, and fans can expect an incredible display of skill and determination from both sides.
