Oliseh Warns Côte d’Ivoire Will be More Dangerous in Final

Saka, Solanke and other Nigerian descent salute S’Eagles

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has warned that Sunday’s AFCON 2023 Final against Cote d’Ivoire will be very different from the group game between both teams.

Nigeria pipped the AFCON hosts 1-0 in a Group A clash.

On Sunday, both teams will feature in a rematch with the coveted AFCON trophy the prize at stake.

The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire are at home and will enjoy total support from a full house at the Stade Alassane Quatarra in Abidjan

“The final is a totally different scenario,” warned Oliseh.

“Their big striker (Sebastian Haller, who was match winner vs DR Congo in the semifinal) will pose a big problem for our defence.

“South Africa found loopholes in our defence especially in the first half.”

He further said: “They have shown great mental strength to come back through the back door to the final. “They have grown in confidence.” Oliseh admitted he would have preferred the Super Eagles had clashed with DR Congo in the final.

“DR Congo would have been an easier team for the Super Eagles to manage,” he offered.

Meanwhile, several players with Nigerian roots in the English Premier League have congratulated the Super Eagles after a hard-fought win over South Africa in the AFCON 2023 semi-final on Wednesday night in Bouake.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka posted on his Instagram story as he cheered the Super Eagles on during the penalty shoot-out.

Former Liverpool and in-form Bournemouth striker, Dominic Solanke also joined in the celebrations. Former Chelsea players, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham urged the Super Eagles to do one better and win the final against Ivory Coast.

On loan Bayern Munich striker, Joshua Zirkzee, who plays for the Netherlands but has a Nigerian mother also cheered on, alongside England U-23 international, Noni Madueke and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji.

Nigeria will take on Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the AFCON 2023 tournament on Sunday.