AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast have completed their preparation after a strong warning for Nigeria against Sierra Leone in a pre-tournament friendly.
Hosts of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Ivory Coast are set for the competition after completing their preparation on a high.
With just a week to kick off, Cote d’Ivoire thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 in their final pre-AFCON friendly on Saturday.
22:42 - 06.01.2024
AFCON: Five things to know about Super Eagles Theme Song "Let's Do It Again"
This theme song, "Let's Do It Again," embodies the spirit of Nigerian football, blending cultural pride with a message of unity and hope.
19:01 - 03.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Supercomputer predicts who will win the Cup of Nations
Computer predicts the likeliest winner of the AFCON 2023 showpiece in Cote d'Ivoire.
Ivory Coast warn Nigeria
The Elephants find themselves in a tight Group A alongside one of the pre-tournament favourites, Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
But the hosts do not look fazed by the task ahead following a brilliant preparation for the 2023 AFCON.
Ivory Coast hosted and thrashed the Leone Stars in their final preparatory match held at the Stade Laurent Pokou, with the Stars proving no match.
A star-studded team led by Barcelona’s Franck Kessie, who was the skipper of the day, put on the style to destroy their visitors in the opening half.
Goals from Ousmane Diomande, Kessie and Jonathan Bamba gave the Elephants a deserved and convincing 3-0 advantage at the break.
In the second 45, Ivory Coast extended their lead to 5-0 courtesy of goals from Jeremie Boga and Lazare Amani to ultimately seal the game.
However, Sierra Leone ensured the scoreline was more respectable when they pulled one back via Rodney Michael to make it 5-1.
The emphatic victory was the third in a row for the Elephants, who scored a total of 16 goals and conceded just one goal in that period.
Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will go head-to-head at the AFCON 2023 on January 18 in what is one of the games of the tournament.
Related content
23:17 - 06.01.2024
List of Nigerians that have played for Chelsea as Osimhen link heats up
Chelsea are emerging as the most likely next destination for Napoli's ace, Victor Osimhen. Should a move materialise, he will join a long list of Nigerians who have valled Stamford Bridge home.
20:40 - 06.01.2024
‘Osimhen can do it — Peseiro tips Super Eagles star for AFCON 2023 Golden Boot
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro believes that Victor Osimhen is primed to win the AFCON 2023 Golden Boot
23:37 - 06.01.2024
Nigerians with the most FA Cup goals in history
List of Nigerians who have scored the most goals in the oldest club competition in the world.
19:16 - 06.01.2024
8 players who dumped European countries to play at AFCON 2023
Foreign-born players have become a staple of the Africa Cup of nations, take a look at some popular ones from the 2023 AFCON squad lists provided
17:10 - 06.01.2024
We won lots of matches without Ndidi — NFF President confident in Super Eagles' depth despite Leicester star’s absence for AFCON 2023
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau believes the Super Eagles will thrive at the AFCON despite losing Wilfred Ndidi before the competition.
13:53 - 06.01.2024
Leicester City frustrated as Kelechi Iheanacho's injury drags on with no return date
Leicester City have confirmed there is no end in sight for Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho's injury woes.
11:16 - 06.01.2024
Victor Osimhen: Jubilation in Nigeria's camp as Super Eagles celebrate historic CAF Award
Victor Osimhen's historic African Footballer of the Year award has been blessed by his Super Eagles teammates and coaches.