As Nigeria gears up for the AFCON final on Sunday evening in Abidjan, this report spotlights three players whose individual brilliance clinched the coveted AFCON trophy for Nigeria on three previous occasions.

1980: Odegbami’s Lagos double

Segun Odegbami, famously known as “Mathematical,” showcased his exceptional talent. His two remarkable goals in the final against Algeria secured Nigeria’s historic 3-0 victory, marking the nation’s first AFCON triumph. Odegbami’s stellar performance elevated him to legendary status, and his presence in Cote d’Ivoire motivates the current Super Eagles to aim for a fourth AFCON title.

1994: Amuneke’s Tunisian Magic

In the 1994 final against Zambia in Tunis, Emmanuel Amuneke emerged as the hero in the only game he played in with his two decisive goals, leading Nigeria to a 2-1 victory and their second AFCON title. Amuneke’s exceptional skill and clinical finishing solidified his place among Nigerian football greats. His subsequent winning goal at the Atlanta Olympics further cemented his legacy in Nigerian football history.

2013: Mba’s Johannesburg surprise

Home-based midfielder Sunday Mba delivered a moment of inspiration in the final against Burkina Faso in Johannesburg. Despite being relatively unknown, Mba’s juggle and strike secured Nigeria’s third AFCON trophy with a 1-0 victory. Although Mba’s Eagles career nosedived immediately after, his contribution to Nigeria’s AFCON success remains memorable.

Sunday, February 11th, Nigeria is poised to take on Cotê d’Ivoire in the final match of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

Meet the Coaches in-charge of the Super Eagles and the Elephants.

JOSE PESEIRO (NIGERIA)

Guiding the Super Eagles to this prestigious final is Portuguese coach José Peseiro, who assumed the helm two years ago following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Peseiro’s tenure initially encountered challenges as the team struggled to secure positive results. Despite skepticism from fans, the Nigerian Football Federation stood by their decision to appoint Peseiro, who remained steadfast in his duties.

However, under Peseiro’s leadership, Nigeria witnessed a remarkable transformation. The Portuguese tactician meticulously crafted a formidable Nigerian squad by blending youthful talent with seasoned veterans, instilling a resilient and cohesive team dynamic.

One significant enhancement Peseiro implemented was the inclusion of Stanley Nwabili, whose stellar performances fortified Nigeria’s defensive line.

Now, two years into Peseiro’s tenure, Nigeria finds themselves in the tournament final, boasting the best defensive record having conceded merely two goals throughout the competition.

EMERSE FAE (COTE D’IVOIRE)

Emerse Faé, once in the shadow of Jean-Louis Gasset as an assistant coach for the Ivorian national team, has emerged as a central figure in orchestrating the dramatic turnaround of the Elephants’ fortunes in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Côte d’Ivoire international Emerse Faé’s name has become synonymous with success, as he masterminded the Elephants’ resurgence following a dismal start under French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, whose tenure was marred by disappointing results in the group stage.

Taking the reins from Gasset, Faé navigated the Elephants’ path to redemption, guiding them through a stunning transformation during the knockout stages of the tournament.

Despite facing formidable opponents, including Senegal, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Elephants, qualified as the best third-placed team, swept aside all challengers on their journey to the final.

Now, poised to face Nigeria in the final showdown, Côte d’Ivoire has a chance to avenge their earlier defeat and claim victory under Faé’s leadership.

At just 40 years old, Faé stands on the brink of history, with the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of Ivorian football lore.

Though Faé did not have the chance to participate in previous AFCON finals as a player, his remarkable coaching acumen has endeared him to the Ivorian people, who now hail him as a national hero.

Faé’s own football career was cut short by injuries, but his transition to coaching has been nothing short of remarkable. Beginning with the U19 team at French club Nice in 2012, Faé honed his skills before taking charge of the reserve team at Clermont Foot 63.

In 2022, Faé assumed the role of assistant coach for the Ivorian Elephants under Gasset’s tutelage. However, circumstances thrust him into the spotlight during the home AFCON tournament, where he seized the opportunity to lead his team to the brink of glory.

As Côte d’Ivoire prepares to battle Nigeria in the final, Emerse Faé’s journey from player to coach, and from adversity to triumph, embodies the resilience and determination of the Elephants under his stewardship

In few hours time, the Super Eagles of Nigeria face off against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in an epic showdown of the  Africa Cup of Nations Final.

The 34th edition of Africa’s biggest football showpiece draws to a close with a battle of African football giants that are looking at adding to their collection of continental titles.

For the Super Eagles, this will be their fourth title should the African football gods smile their way.

Here are some of the key stars that will be instrumental for Nigeria ahead of the final.

Stanley Nwabali

The final wall of defense for the Super Eagles. Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire, producing heroic saves that have seen him only concede one goal from open play enroute to the final.

The Chippa United keeper was also the hero of the day in the semi-final against South Africa where he saved two penalties to usher Nigeria into their finals.

William Troost-Ekong

The Super Eagles skipper has provided great on-field leadership from the back. His experience and command as the last line of defense have proven to be crucial in the explosive Nigerian attack.

A man who is always ready to step up and take responsibility, Troost-Ekong is certainly one for the big occasion when the chips are down.

Victor Osimhen

The reigning African footballer of the year has played an excellent role for Nigeria. Despite not being able to find the back of the net as much as he would have liked, Victor Osimhen has been troublesome to defenders, also creating goalscoring chances, set pieces and penalties for his side.

The final presents the perfect platform for the hitman to find close off the tournament in style and will be hoping to get a goal or two against the hosts.

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman will certainly be looking at closing off an impressive tournament with one last star performance.

The dangerman, has terrorized defenders with his speed, skill and impassive ability to find goals. Currently on three goals and hungry for more, Lookman is certainly a key figure for the Nigerians as they attempt a fourth continental title.

In few hours, hosts Cotê d’Ivoire will face off against one of African’s giants, Nigeria in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The clash will draw the curtains down on the AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023 in what is expected to be an epic showdown.

Both Nigeria and Cotê d’Ivoire will be hoping to add to their trophy cabinet.

For Cotê d’Ivoire, this will be their third title should they record a victory against Nigeria.

CAFOnline looks at some of the key stars that will be instrumental for Cotê d’Ivoire ahead of the final.

Sebastian Haller

He started playing from the knockout stage for Cotê d’Ivoire. Haller has been key for the hosts anytime he has been introduced.

He showed up perfectly in their semi-final game against D.R Congo by scoring the game’s only goal which qualified his team to the final.

Seko Fofana

The Al-Nassr FC star plays with so much passion for Cotê d’Ivoire, he has been the driving force in the middle throughout this tournament.

With his name written in the history books already as the first player to score in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023, Seko Fofana will be looking forward to making more history and hopefully clinch the trophy for Cotê d’Ivoire

The hosts secret to having a great game on Sunday includes Fofana having a great time on the pitch.

Serge Aurier

The 31-year old defender comes with lot of experience and has shown it on the pitch anytime he is selected.

Both on and off the pitch, Aurier has added a lot to Emerse Faé’s side throughout this competition.

He played in Cotê d’Ivoire’s last TotalEnergies CAF AFCON final and knows what it takes to play in stages like this and even conquer it.

Simon Adingra

Adingra has been Cotê d’Ivoire’s main man from the bench causing problems for opponents in the tournament.

He came off the bench in their quarter-finals game to score against Mali and help them win the game.

The Brighton Hove Albion player gives Emerse Faé options on the bench and he will rely heavily on him in the finals.

Franck Kessié

Kessié has shown his quality for Cotê d’Ivoire throughout the tournament with great displays.

His late equalizer in the round of 16 and final penalty propelled the host to the quarter-finals after they struggled in the group stage.

With Nigeria’s all round quality in the midfield, Kessié will be key for Cotê d’Ivoire in quest for a third title.

 The Super Eagles are facing Cote d’Ivoire in the final match of the 34^th Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams had earlier met at the group stage and Nigeria won 1-0.

This is not the first time that Nigeria will face the same team twice in an edition of the competition. It happened in 1976 in Dire Dawa Ethiopia when Nigeria lost 3-1 to Morocco in Group B.

They met again in the final play-off for the title. Nigeria again lost 2-1 in the only tournament played throughout on league basis.

In 1988 in Morocco, Nigeria and Cameroon played in Group B and later contested the title match. The same happens in 1990 when Nigeria played the opening match with Algeria and met the same team in the final.

In 2013, Nigeria faced Burkina Faso in the group stage and met them again in the final match. This Sunday marks the fifth time Nigeria will be playing the same country twice in one edition.

One of the oldest players in Nigeria’s squad Ahmed Musa has told CAF website that the Super Eagles are up to the task and very determined to win the AFCON 2023 final against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.

The Super Eagles beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the second semi-final last Wednesday at Bouake.

Cote d’Ivoire also booked a spot in the final in a dramatic fashion the same day, cruising past DR Congo with a 1-0 victory.“We are very focused as a team, and we will be executing  our abilities as expected”, Musa said.“We’re ready as a team to deliver for the fans. The most important thing is for us to win the tournament because we are the most deserving as of now to win it. The Nigerian community deserves the happiness and unity that come with becoming champions of the Nations Cup.”

The Nigerian captain was part of the Super Eagles side that won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and will be looking forward to winning it for the second time.

Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria stand in the way of Cote d’Ivoire in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, as the tournament hosts aim to complete the most remarkable of turnarounds by lifting the trophy.

The most thrilling AFCON in recent memory concludes at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, on the dusty outskirts of Abidjan, with a heavyweight showdown between two West African footballing powerhouses.

Eleven years after they were last crowned continental champions, Nigeria are hoping to win their fourth title, and in doing so match the tally of old rivals Ghana.

Cote d’Ivoire, meanwhile, will join the Super Eagles on three titles if they become the first host nation to lift the trophy since Egypt beat them on penalties in 2006.

Their journey just to get to this stage has been unlike almost anything that has come before in the history of major international tournament football.

After beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the opening game on January 13, things began to go awry when they lost 1-0 to Nigeria in a close-fought encounter five days later.

The Elephants then found themselves on the brink of becoming just the second Cup of Nations hosts in the last 30 years to be eliminated in the group stage after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

It was their heaviest ever home defeat, and it cost veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset his job.

Yet a combination of favourable results elsewhere allowed them to squeeze through to the last 16 as the last of the four best third-placed teams.

– ‘Like a dream’ –

Former player Emerse Fae became interim coach after an audacious attempt to hire Herve Renard on a short-term deal failed, and Cote d’Ivoire ousted holders Senegal on penalties in his first game.

A crazy quarter-final followed, with the 10-man Ivorians beating Mali 2-1 thanks to a winning goal in added time in extra time.

In his first start of the tournament after injury, Sebastien Haller then scored the only goal in a 1-0 defeat of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last four, taking Ivory Coast into their first final since they won the trophy under Renard in 2015.

“It’s like a dream, when you go back two weeks to the defeat here against Equatorial Guinea,” said Fae after the semi-final.

“It was hard then to imagine that we might qualify for the final of our own AFCON.”

Yet they have done it, and so like in their last final appearance in 2013 — when they defeated Burkina Faso in South Africa — Nigeria will play in the tournament’s deciding game against a side they also faced in the group stage.

That 1-0 win over the Ivorians, when captain William Troost-Ekong netted a penalty, was what kickstarted the Super Eagles’ campaign here.

They had come into the tournament hampered by a succession of injury call-offs, and with a coach who had been the target of stinging criticism back home.

– Tactical switch –

A 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their first game did little to ease the pressure on veteran Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro, but a switch to a three-man central defence paid dividends against the Ivorians and he has stuck with that system since.

As a result, Nigeria recorded four straight wins — all with clean sheets — on the way to the semi-final, when they beat South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Napoli star Osimhen, the reigning African footballer of the year, is now just one game away from being an AFCON winner in what has often been a frustrating tournament for the 25-year-old.

He struck 10 times in qualifying, but has not scored in Cote d’Ivoire since netting in the opening game, although he has had three goals disallowed.

Nevertheless, Osimhen’s tireless performances have been eye-catching, and in any case the masked striker has always insisted that collective glory is all that matters.

“I always say this — it has been with me since growing up — I need to win something with the Super Eagles,” Osimhen told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique.

“Football is one of the only things that brings joy to the country. We know a lot of people have had to work so hard just to be able to watch this game.

“I am really happy that we are able to put smiles on their faces. Now we have one more final to go and we will give everything to try to win it.”

The 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations is about to come to an explosive end as the Super Eagles of Nigeria get ready to face the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday, February 11.

The tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire secured their spot in the final on Wednesday night after overcoming the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles progressed to the semi-finals after defeating South Africa 4-2 in an exciting penalty shootout.

Here are twelve things to know about the AFCON final:

1. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024, with the match scheduled to kick off at 9 pm Nigerian time.

2. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, known also as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.

3. The stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000, it is the largest stadium in the country.

4. The clash will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Website in the UK.

5. Nigeria beat Ivory coast en route to two of their three Africa Cup of Nations (1994, 2013)

6. The winners of the competition will win a cash prize of $7m (N9bn).

7. The second place will win a cash prize of $4m.

8. Nigeria have only conceded two goals the entire competition, while Cote d’Ivoire’s defence has been leaking, shipping eight goals in six games.

9. Nigeria and Ivory Coast played in the same group, and this final will be one of the few times teams from the same group faced in the final.

10. Ivory Coast are the first host nation to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final since Egypt in 2006.

11. Nigeria are playing in their eighth AFCON final, only Egypt and Ghana (both 9) have played in more such games in the competition.

12. All four of Ivory Coast’s previous Africa Cup of Nations finals have ended goalless and gone to penalties – they won two of those shootouts (1992 and 2015, both vs Ghana) and lost two (2006 vs Egypt and 2012 vs Zambia).

Kenyan’s Bernard Sang has emerged winner of the Access Bank  2024 Lagos City Marathon.

Sang beat about 80 other elite marathoners in the 9th edition of the race on Saturday morning to win the 42km race.

He won the grand prize of $50,000.

The Kenyan finished at 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 49 seconds to best compatriots Simon Cheprot and Edwin Kiptoo, who finished second and third, respectively and will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Sang, who also participated in 2023, finished in third place.

Twenty-five-year-old Kebene Chala of Ethiopia was the first woman to cross the finish line.

She will also be claiming $50,000.

The winners of the men’s and women’s races qualified for the marathon event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Shehu Muazu was the first Nigerian to cross the finish line and will be going home with a N1 million cash prize.

The 42km race began at the National Stadium in Surulere and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

Ahead of Sunday’s AFCON final clash against Ivory Coast billed for the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan, Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa says the team will do everything possible to win the title especially for Nigerians who lost their lives watching the tensed semifinal clash against South Africa on Wednesday.

Players and officials of the Jose Peseiro tutored side held a one minute silence in honour of some Nigerians who died during the semifinal clash that dragged to extra time before ending in penalties that saw the Eagles triumph 4-2 in Bouake.

Among those who died are former House of Representative member (2003 – 2007) Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Deputy Bursar at Kwara State University, Ayuba Abdullahi, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Auto Promotion, Osondu Nwoye, and a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member identified as Samuel who hails from Kaduna State but serving in Numan Adamawa State.

Speaking on the tragic incidents, Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa said:“Good evening everyone, yesterday (Wednesday) we lost four Nigerians because of the game (against South Africa). So we will hold a one minute silence and Chidozie Awaziem will lead us in prayers.“

Musa who has been very motivational for the Super Eagles since the tournament began has continued to call for massive support for the team as their quest to lift the AFCON title for the fourth time. Nigeria already have three titles in the kitty won in 1980, 1994 and 2013. The victory in 2013 was the last won under late Stephen Keshi in South Africa after Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso by a lone goal in front of 85,000 spectators at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.