Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to secure a straightforward victory over Ivory Coast in the upcoming 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations final. Peterside made these remarks during an appearance on the Sunrise Daily program on Channels Television.
Highlighting Nigeria’s previous encounter with Ivory Coast in the Group A match, which Nigeria won 1-0 through captain Troost-Ekong’s 55th-minute penalty, Peterside emphasized the Nigerian team’s capability to emerge victorious once again.
In the semi-final clash against South Africa, Nigeria faced a tough challenge that extended into extra time, eventually triumphing 4-2 on penalties. Peterside credited Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, for making two crucial penalty saves, securing Nigeria’s place in the final against Ivory Coast.
Despite acknowledging Ivory Coast’s advancement to the final, Peterside asserted that Nigeria’s match against South Africa posed a greater challenge. He expressed his belief that the final against Ivory Coast would be comparatively easier, citing Nigeria’s previous victory over them and Ivory Coast’s perceived weaker performance in recent matches.
Peterside remarked, “The game against Ivory Coast will be easier than this because we have beaten them already in our group game. They (Ivory Coast) only survived by sheer luck to get here. They are not as good as we are.”
Anticipating a comfortable win for Nigeria in the final, Peterside confidently stated, “The final game will be so easy; I say it again and we will win easily.”
Nigeria is scheduled to face Ivory Coast in the final at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday at 9 pm Nigerian time. With Nigeria aiming for its fourth AFCON title and Ivory Coast vying for a third, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter for football fans across Africa.
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