Ero Samson
January 11, 2024 at 11:14 AM
- The Africa Cup of Nations is set to dominate the football scene
- Nigeria are set to battle host nation Ivory Coast in a Group A clash
- A Super Eagles icon discussed Didier Drogba’s 2013 match gesture
The stage is set as the 34th edition of the continent’s biggest football showpiece, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is poised to herald the scenes.
A host of African legends are eager for the start of the football festival, with many who had participated in previous editions reminiscing their foremost memories of the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
One football icon who recently shared a few of his foremost memories of the competition is former Super Eagles forward and 2013 AFCON winner Brown Ideye.
The former West Brom forward, who was an integral part of Nigeria’s most recent tournament triumph in 2013, touched on a gesture from Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba during the competition.
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Ideye on Drogba’s gesture
The 35-year-old, who played a significant role in the Super Eagles’ quarter-final clash against the Elephants of Ivory Coast, recently shared his memories from the AFCON in an interview with football expert Tobi Adepoju. He recounted the gestures of the Ivorian legend before and after the game.
“In the lead-up to the quarter-final, he entered our dressing room, shook hands with everyone, and wished both teams the best, expressing his hope that his country would emerge victorious.
“After the match, he returned to our dressing room, congratulated us, and shared that he had dreamt of our AFCON victory even before the game, offering his best wishes.”
The touching display of sportsmanship by the former Chelsea forward evidently left a lasting impression on Ideye.
Nigeria ultimately secured a two-one victory in the fixture, thanks to goals from Emmanuel Emenike and midfielder Sunday Mba.
Nigeria and the Ivory Coast will renew their rivalries when both sides face off on January 18.
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Ideye advice Super Eagles
Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted that former Nigeria national team forward Brown Ideye has offered advice to the Super Eagles ahead of the AFCON.
The 35-year-old forward clamoured for unity and discipline amongst Jose Peseiro’s team and also touched on the team’s chance of winning the AFCON.
Nigeria will begin their campaign with a clash against Equatorial Guinea.
