Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s preparedness for the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.
The three-time African champions are grouped with hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea in Group A. The Eagles’ first match is against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, followed by a highly anticipated game against Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
While welcoming Ivory Coast’s Ambassador, Kalilou Traore, at the NFF Secretariat, Gusau commended Ivory Coast’s government for its efforts in organizing the tournament, recalling the country’s successful hosting 40 years ago in 1984.
“I have been receiving regular briefings on the preparations from the President of Ivory Coast Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is a personal friend. I am aware that the Government of Ivory Coast has really invested in stadia and general infrastructure to make the AFCON a success and a huge spectacle.
“Our two teams (Super Eagles and Elephants) are in the same group at the finals, and it would be a very interesting game when we play on January 18. We know the whole of Africa and even the world will be focused on Ivory Coast before, during and after the AFCON, and our team will be ready to do its best. When Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON in 1984, our Eagles finished second. This time, we will work very hard to emerge as champions.”
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