8 months ago
53 In the vibrant streets of Abidjan, the anticipation for the AFCON 2023 Group A clash between the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and the Super Eagles of Nigeria has reached a fever pitch.
Complete Sports reporter, ADEBOYE AMOSUN, captures the fervent sentiments of fans through exclusive interviews. From traders to consultants, businessmen to civil servants, each voice adds a unique flavour to the clash of African football giants.
Cote d’Ivoire lead Group A after matchday one with three points from their 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria who drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their first game are joint
-second with the Nzalang Nacional, on one point apiece. Guinea-Bissau, without any point, bring up the rear.
Also Read: Sights & Sounds Of AFCON 2023 – By Complete Sports’ Camera In Cote d’Ivoire
Among the rival fans, the tale unfolds with confidence, divided loyalties, and a yearning for bragging rights. Dive into the pulse of the fans’ expectations and hopes for this much-anticipated matchday 2 showdown on Thursday, January 18, at Stade Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan.
Toure Mohamed Kali (Trader)
“I’m looking forward to the game against Nigeria with confidence. I hope that we win the game and progress to the next round.
“Super Eagles have good players. Victor Osimhen is one that we are afraid of, but we have good defenders that can stop him. I pray we are able to beat Nigeria.”
Aslam Nasir (Consultant, Voice of Nigeria)
“This is a difficult one for me honestly, but I won’t sit on the fence here. I’m a Nigerian born here in Cote d’Ivoire. I have lived here in Abidjan all my life.
“I feel more like an Ivorian than a Nigerian. I will be rooting for Cote d’Ivoire to beat the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles I saw against Equatorial Guinea are not a match for the Elephants”.
Banhoro Adu (Businessman)
“I’m an Ivorian, but I have a lot of Nigerian friends here in Abidjan. I’m kind of divided in terms of my support for now. May the best side win on Thursday even though I would appreciate a draw”.
Msolange Kousdio (Trader)
“We are the hosts and want to win the trophy. After winning our first game, we believe we can win the competition. Nigeria has a good team, but I don’t see them stopping us. We will beat them silly on Thursday”.
Salman Tajudeen Adeyemi (Businessman /Farmer)
“For us Nigerians here in Cote d’Ivoire, bragging rights are at stake. We have boasted a lot before the start of the competition that we will beat them (The Elephants).
“We just hope and pray that our boys make us proud”.
Bello Alain Musa (Contractor)
“My loyalty is to Nigeria even though I was born here in Abidjan. I have Nigerian blood in me. We want to celebrate for the first time in the competition and I hope the players will do their best on the pitch.
Also Read: – AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire Coach Wary ‘ Of Tough Opponent’ Super Eagles
“I know we have a team that can beat Ivory Coast even though it’s going to be difficult”.
Salman Ismail Adebayo. (Businessman)
“We pray the Super Eagles make us proud as we can’t afford to be mocked by the Ivorians. The first match was not good enough. If we improve on our performance, we will beat them for sure”.
Joel Ojedokun (Businessman)
“I want to see a serious fight from the Super Eagles against Cote d’Ivoire. The first game was not good enough. Our team is stronger than theirs. If we play well, I strongly believe we will win”.
Bello Fatai (Trader)
“This is a game between two giants of African football. The two teams have quality players; Victor Osimhen, Seko Fofana, Jeremie Boga, Kelechi Iheanacho, and the rest.
“I’m sticking out for a draw. My dad is a Nigerian and my mother is from Ivory Coast”.
Dauda Kone (Civil Servant)
“We have to beat Nigeria. I remember them beating us in the quarter-finals in 2013. I want revenge this time around”.
Sekou Ouattara (Trader)
“It’s going to be a difficult game but we (Cote d’Ivoire) will win. I will personally be at the stadium to cheer The Elephants to victory”.
Brahima Toure (Civil Servant)
“I live in an environment where there are a lot of Nigerians. I want the bragging rights over them. It will be shameful if we fail to beat Nigeria on Thursday”.
Saheed Babatunde (Trader)
“I believe in the Super Eagles and I know they won’t disappoint us. The first match was not good enough, but I know they will beat Cote d’Ivoire”.
John Oluwatosin (Businessman)
“I don’t have much confidence in the Super Eagles. I just hope they prove me wrong”.
Photos by Ganiyi Yusuf in Abidjan
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