Jean-Louis Gasset, former coach of Ivory Coast, has pointed out two key reasons why Nigeria’s Super Eagles are favored to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, surpassing the host nation’s team. As the highly anticipated AFCON final approaches, Gasset highlights Nigeria’s strengths, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
The Super Eagles are set to clash with Ivory Coast in the final match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan this Sunday. Nigeria’s team previously secured a 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast during the group stages, adding to the mounting tension leading up to the final showdown.
In light of his former team’s performance, Gasset, who was dismissed by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) after the Elephants’ 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A game, expressed his belief in Nigeria’s favoritism. He attributed this to two pivotal factors: the presence of Victor Osimhen and Nigeria’s higher ranking in Africa.
In a statement to L’Equipe via Ouest France, Gasset stated, “Ivory Coast are not favorites because Nigeria are higher ranked in Africa and have Osimhen, the best African Player of the Year. My departure brought peace. I am proud of the Elephants, happy.”
As the stage is set for the AFCON final, the spotlight falls on Nigeria’s Super Eagles, deemed the favorites by Gasset’s astute analysis, adding an extra layer of drama and anticipation to the upcoming clash on the football field.
