The 30th day of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nation in Cote d’Ivoire is here. It is the final between Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan.

Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semifinal and remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. Cote d’Ivoire on the hand suffered 2 group stage defeat but rose to the final, defeating DR Congo in the semis.

The results before the 2023 AFCON didn’t instill hope in Nigeria but the NFF’s slogan of #LetsDoItAgain seem to be the real deal. I didn’t have faith in that slogan but Jose Peseiro has worked his Eagles to get to the final.

Irrespective of how the final plays out, Nigerians are pleased about the progress of the team in the last 30 days. The “discovery” of Stanley Nwabali stands out and Lookman shone like bright stars in his 2nd year after switching allegiance from the Three Lions.

I am predicting a 2-0 win for the Super Eagles but the stats indicate that games involving host teams always go down to penalty kicks. Well, we have Nwabali for that.

Would Ahmed Musa kick the ball before lifting the trophy? As captain, he has been instrumental in the Unity of the team – off the pitch.

South Africa defeated DR Congo via penalties after full time ended goalless. Williams was the hero of the shoot out, yet again. Bafana Bafana would take solace with the bronze medal.

Ok – time to prepare for the final.