Ex Cote d’Ivoire national team captain, Didier Drogba has revealed that he is full of pride over his country’s privilege to host the biggest showpiece of the continent, the 2023 AFCON during an online interview session with CAF online as he savors meet-up with Mikel Obi.
Mikel Obi who was also a former captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria was teammate with Didier Drogba at English Premiership club Chelsea winning all that there is to win with the London based outfit.
Now with both players’ national team pitted in the same group, Drogba is relishing meeting up with his teammate in Cote d’Ivoire as all participating countries prepare for the highly anticipated event, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Cote d’Ivoire hosts the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 between 13 January – 11 February, with 24 nations expected to contest for Africa’s most sought-after trophy.
“It brings a sense of pride for me. The last time was in 1984. The fact of having worn the jersey of the national team and now seeing the tournament hosted on home soil is exceptional. We are very happy to welcome all of Africa. It is going to be a party”, said Cote d’Ivoire’s all-time leading goalscorer on (65) to CAF online.
“It is the most beautiful competition for all Africans. I was inspired by Roger Milla, Gadji Celi, Youssouf Fofana and many others. Our legends were revealed in this tournament. Laurent Pokou for example and others. For us it’s the celebration of African football”.
“The unity of a continent to see Sadio Mané, Obi Mikel, it’s Africa’s party for a month”, said the former skipper who played in two finals (2006), (2012) where they fell against Egypt and Zambia”.
The former Chelsea striker further emphasized that visitors can expect a warm and friendly reception from the people of Cote d’Ivoire.
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