AFCON Final: Rufai And Yobo Extend Encouragement To English Premier League Commends Super Eagles’ Iwobi, Aina, 

AFCON Final: Rufai And Yobo Extend Encouragement To English Premier League Commends Super Eagles’ Iwobi, Aina, 

The upcoming final of the 2023 AFCON in Abidjan bears all the hallmarks of a riveting Nollywood production. Here stand two teams, once adversaries in the same group. Nigeria clinched the 2nd spot behind Equatorial Guinea, while Ivory Coast, initially favored to lead the group, narrowly secured passage as one of the best third-place finishers….CONTINUE READING

When Nigeria faced off against Ivory Coast on Match Day 2 of the tournament, the Eagles secured a solitary goal victory, with William Troost-Ekong expertly converting a penalty. Through unwavering dedication, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose, they’ve navigated their journey to the final. The looming question now is: Who will emerge victorious in this ultimate battle to claim the title of the new African champion?

Nigeria and Ivory Coast share a history of encounters. In April 1994, in Tunisia, Nigeria triumphed over Ivory Coast in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles, boasting talents like the late Rashidi Yekini, Sunday Oliseh, current assistant coach George Finidi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Daniel Amokachi, fielded what was arguably Nigeria’s finest team of recent memory.

In 2013, in South Africa, under the helm of the late Coach Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles once again bested Ivory Coast in the semi-finals en route to securing the trophy. We reached out to Peter Rufai, the guardian of the Eagles in the 1994 squad, affectionately known as the “Dodo Mayana” of Nigerian football, and Joseph Yobo, captain of the 2013 team, to share words of wisdom with the Eagles, who will tread the path they once walked, seeking victory. What advice do they offer? What qualities of the Ivorian team should the Eagles take heed of? Their insights were profound and astute.

First, a message from Yobo:

“I believe the Super Eagles have put in the necessary hard work to reach the final. They must maintain their focus, determination, and effectively manage the game, as the Ivorians will seek revenge following our previous victories against them in this tournament. Our goal is to clinch the trophy.

“There’s little to critique about this team; despite a shaky start, common among great teams, they’ve evolved with each game, finding a winning formula and fostering unity. They’ve ticked nearly every box.

“Beyond all this, players should strive for personal glory, as opportunities to become continental champions are rare. It’s crucial to seize such moments, especially considering that for some, this may be their last chance before retirement. I speak from experience; it took me until my 6th AFCON to clinch the title (although I have 4 bronze medals), but bronze is not gold, and silver is not gold. Therefore, if you find yourself in a position to win the final, give it your all, for this could be your last opportunity in your career.”

Yobo also acknowledged the contributions of the team’s manager, Jose Peseiro, and his coaching staff: “Credit is due to the coach, who has steered the team to this stage, finding a winning formula. Although things aren’t perfect, as evident in the low number of goals conceded, we must strive to manage our lead effectively, avoiding a repeat of the South Africa match, as the final will be fiercely contested.”