Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has issued a stern warning to the Ivory Coast national team, urging them to approach the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with utmost seriousness, especially in their encounter with Nigeria. Drogba emphasized the need for the Elephants to avoid complacency and bring their best performance to secure success in the tournament.
Ivory Coast, set to host the AFCON finals from January 13 to February 11, faces a challenging Group A, including three-time winners Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Drogba highlighted Nigeria, led by the recently crowned Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, as Ivory Coast’s significant rival in the group, citing the Super Eagles’ formidable attack featuring players from top European leagues.
While acknowledging Equatorial Guinea as a potential tricky opponent and Guinea-Bissau’s capability to pull an upset, Drogba stressed the importance of treating every group match seriously to avoid an early exit.
Drogba’s caution serves as a reminder that the AFCON is unpredictable, and Ivory Coast must be prepared to contend with strong opposition. The tournament promises excitement, and Drogba’s insights underscore the competitive nature of the upcoming football spectacle.
