The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to attend the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
Tinubu will be in attendance when the Super Eagles take on hosts Ivory Coast at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sunday, February 11.
Jose Peseiro’s side has been a source of unity for the entire Nigeria following their impressive performances in the AFCON.
The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in the tournament and have also kept four clean sheets in six matches en route to reaching the final.
CAF president confirms Tinubu will attend AFCON final
The determination and passion shown by the team have seen some dignitaries and ex-players visiting them to motivate them further.
When Nigeria faced South Africa in the semi-finals – a game they won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time – the country’s vice president Kashim Shettima was present at the stadium.
It has now been confirmed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe that President Tinubu also plans to watch the Super Eagles in the final against South Africa.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abidjan on Friday, Motsepe said: “I was told the President of Nigeria is coming.
“I was sitting next to the Vice President [Kashim Shettima] during the Nigeria-South Africa game. While I can’t show excitement when any nation scores, they said they could see my happiness. And yes, I am always happy!”
Super Eagles target fourth AFCON title
Nigeria have already beaten Ivory Coast once in the tournament after a 1-0 victory during the group phase but the stakes are much higher ahead of Sunday’s final.
The Super Eagles are looking to annex their fourth AFCON title, having last been crowned champions a decade ago.
Peseiro believes the final will be a different game than when the two teams met in the group stage, but said his side’s goals haven’t changed as they aim to beat the hosts for the second time.
“At first, for me, there were three favourites: Senegal, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. And there were contenders like Nigeria or Egypt. And only two remain of all. This competition is very dense, very complex,” he told beIN Sports.
“It's impressive how the fans experience it, as if it were the World Cup, and that puts a lot of pressure on the player. We beat Ivory Coast, that's true, but now it will be another game. They will play at home, but we want to win.”
The Ivory Coast vs Nigeria game will be played at 9pm Nigerian time.
