National Teams
AFCON 2023 final: Frank Kessie reveals Cote d’Ivoire anxiety ahead of Nigeria showdown
By Wale Mustapha
Cote d’Ivoire captain Frank Kessie has urged his teammates to avoid being anxious as they face Nigeria in the final of 2023 African Cup of Nations in Abidjan on Sunday.
The Elephants will be taking on the Super Eagles in the final billed for Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan by 9pm, same venue both teams in the second group stage encounter with Nigeria emerging victorious.
Since the defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in the group stage, the 34th edition hosts have enjoyed a turn around in their campaign fortunes, winning three games in a row to advance to the final.
Kessié admitted that Nigeria is a very strong opponent, urging his mates to remain calm ahead of the showdown.
“We all know Nigeria is a very great football nation and a very good team,” Kessie told media in Abidjan.
“We were in the same group and we lost 1-0 unfortunately but we still have a match on Sunday so as I emphasized earlier today we are going to remain calm.
“We are going to savour our victory (over DR Congo) and from tomorrow (Sunday) with the help of the technical staff we will work and we will think about the final.”
The Ivorians will be gunning for their third AFCON title while Nigeria are seeking a fourth if they win on Sunday.
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