Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba has said he doesn’t mind if Nigeria wins the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), provided they prove themselves as the best team of the tournament.
The Super Eagles have been rated by many as one of the favourites for AFCON 2024, although hope in them dimmed a bit following their draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first group game.
However, Jose Peseiro’s side came to the party in their second Group A game against hosts Ivory Coast and recorded an important 1-0 victory, thanks to William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty.
The win over the Elephants took Nigeria to four points in the group, while also reaffirming their status as one of the teams that can go all the way in the tournament.
Drogba believes Super Eagles can go far in AFCON 2024
Having watched the Super Eagles beat his home country at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday, Drogba said Nigeria have bright potential.
He noted that Peseiro’s side could “go far” in the tournament but must first prove to the best to emerge as champions.
The former Olympique Marseille and Chelsea forward was, however, quick to add that he was backing Ivory Coast to win the tournament.
“They (Nigeria) can go far, but we (Cote d’Ivoire) have to finish in front of them. It’s the celebration of football. Of course, I want Ivory Coast to win, but the best team has to win, but if it’s Nigeria, fair to them and well done to them,” Drogba stated.
Meanwhile, Group A of AFCON 2024 remains wide open, with the top three places still up for grabs.
Nigeria will finish as group winners if they win against Guinea-Bissau in their final group game.
At the same time, Ivory Coast must beat Equatorial Guinea, who are currently on four points, to enhance their chances of finishing second or first if the Super Eagles fail to win their game.
