I will honour Eagles call-up till I stop playing – Musa
... Peseiro hails impact on team
Cote d’Ivoire striker Sebastien Haller insists today’s CAF AFCON final will be a very different prospect against Nigeria compared to their group stage meeting.
The Elephants lost 1-0 to Nigeria when the sides clashed earlier in the tournament as the two sides clashed at the group stage of the continental flagship tournament.
However, Haller believes the final in Abidjan will be a completely different ball game.
“There is a difference between playing a group match and a final,” stressed Haller.
“The fact that we have already faced each other is an advantage for both teams.”
Cote d’Ivoire’s talisman knows overcoming Nigeria represents his side’s toughest test yet.
“I expect a tough match, we know how Nigerians play, it’s up to us to give them problems,” outlined Haller.
The Ajax frontman highlighted Nigeria’s sturdy backline as the biggest obstacle for the Elephants to overcome.
After an injury-hit start to the tournament, Haller returned to spearhead Elephants’ journey to the final. He praised the squad’s resilience in the face of adversity.
“Our journey has strengthened our bonds within the group. Ivory Coast has gone through trials that have made it stronger,” said Haller.
The striker admitted he doubted himself after initial injury struggles. But support from his teammates ensured Haller rediscovered top form when it mattered most.
Now Haller hopes to fire Ivory Coast to their first AFCON title since 2015 on home soil. His goals could prove the difference as the Elephants chase their elusive third African crown.
If Haller brings his A-game, few defences could contain this marauding marksman. Nigeria’s backline faces its toughest examination yet.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa may not be ready to end his international football career as he plans to continue playing for the national team. He made this known yesterday during a pre-match press conference ahead of today’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final match against hosts, Cote D’Ivoire.
“Whenever I get the invitation to the National team, I will always honour it until I stop playing,” he said.
Speaking further, the 2013 AFCON winner said despite being confined to the bench throughout the Super Eagles’ march to the final, the AFCON 2023 has been one of his best.
“For me, I think this is one of my best AFCON tournaments. It has had a lot of surprises from the beginning until the very end.
“Winning the AFCON and touching the trophy is an unforgettable experience. Omeruo and myself experienced that when we won in South Africa. But I want another one & he also wants another one. The good feeling and experience must be double double.
“The most important thing is to win the game tomorrow (Sunday). It is more important for us Nigerians. We deserve it from the very first day, so we’re going out to give our very best,” the most-capped
Nigerian player declared.
He also said he has no problem watching his team mates play for him as he had the opportunity in the past to play for others to win.
“I had the opportunity to play for others to win, so now it’s time for me to watch others play for me to win. Whenever I’m called upon, I’ll be ready.
“I am a patient man, I have been playing a lot for my teammates, and if my teammates are now playing for me to win, there’s no problem with that,” he stated.
Musa debuted in Africa’s flagship competition in 2013 and won under the late Stephen Keshi.
The 31-year-old forward is one of only two players to have won the AFCON previously with the current Super Eagles squad, the second being Kenneth Omeruo.
The pair will make history if the Super Eagles win today, as no player has won two AFCON titles with the country while playing actively.
In the same vein, head coach Jose Peseiro said Musa has helped him and the team to reach the finals, saying he wants to see him lift the cup today.
“Ahmed for us is much more than a player. He has helped us so much. He has advised me, suggests, informed me a lot about AFCON.I ask him a lot about many things, he knows better than me on some things, he is the captain, and he knows a lot about the players. I want to win that cup tomorrow (Sunday) so Ahmed Musa can lift it. He is a very very special player.”