National Teams
‘Beating Nigeria in 2023 Afcon final ease my regret’ – Drogba happy to see Eagles loss
By Monsurah Olatunji
Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba has revealed that Cote d’Ivoire’s triumph over the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 final helped ease the biggest regret in his life.
Drogba, who featured at five AFCON tournament editions has never won the title despite reaching the finals twice (2006, 2012) but lost both on penalties.
The former Chelsea striker also led the team that lost to Nigeria in the quaterfinal of the 2013 edition where the Eagles went on to lift the title.
Unlucky for Drogba who is considered one of Africa’s best, the Elephants triumphed in the next edition after his retirement.
Full of regret of not winning the prestigious continental silverware in his playing days, Drogba admitted that beating Nigeria at the 2023 edition as the host eased his regret.
“The 2023 AFCON victory eased my regrets. It’s true that my biggest regret remains football-related,” he said, per Afriquesports.
“Not being able to achieve one of my goals with the national team, which was winning at least one African Cup of Nations.
“Nevertheless, this regret was mitigated by the Elephants’ triumph at the 2023 AFCON. My pride is that all my younger brothers who won this AFCON in 2023 called me at some point to say, ‘Old man, we did it for you.’ That’s my greatest pride.”
