Former Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, is wary of the threat the Super Eagles will pose to the Elephants of Cote D’ivoire in Group A when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in January 2024.
The Elephants are hoping to win their third AFCON title after emerging champions in 1992 and 2015 while Nigeria spearheaded by the reigning African Footballer of The Year, Victor Osimhen will aim to lift their fourth title in history.
Tournament hosts Ivory Coast are drawn in Group A against three-time winners Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Drogba, who featured at five AFCON tournament editions and led the Ivoirians to the final in 2012 when they lost 8-7 on penalties to Zambia after extra time ended goalless, expects a very difficult group for the hosts.
“There’s no such thing as a generous draw because all the teams deserve to be here and they’re going to fight,” Drogba, who scored 65 goals for the Elephants told the BBC.
“Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen and all the players they have, is a big team. We mustn’t forget the other two teams because there are always surprises.
“I think that our main asset will be to focus on our game, our team, our strengths and try to progress. It’s up to us to make the most of it, get behind our team and make sure the trophy stays at home.”
The Super Eagles last won the AFCON 10 years ago in South Africa and they defeated Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals on the way to that triumph in 2013.