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African football is about to get a new champion as Nigeria gears up to face off against Ivory Coast in the highly anticipated final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to electrify the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan this Sunday.
Nigeria secured their spot in the AFCON final after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory against South Africa's formidable Bafana Bafana.
Meanwhile, former West Ham sensation Sébastien Haller etched his name into the annals of Ivorian football history with a decisive goal propelling the Elephants to a 1-0 triumph over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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In a memorable clash during the group stage, Nigeria emerged victorious with a slender 1-0 win over Ivory Coast, courtesy of a second-half penalty coolly dispatched by William Troost-Ekong, earned by the lively Victor Osimhen.
However, the absence of Sébastien Haller, nursing an ankle injury, added fuel to the Elephants' fiery desire for vengeance.
"We are playing the final against Nigeria. It is a great nation. It is heavy. They beat us in the group stage," expressed Haller in anticipation of the grand showdown.
"But we are already motivated to go and lift the trophy on Sunday in this stadium in front of the Ivorian people. We have revenge to take on Nigeria."
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Ivory Coast's Journey: Triumphs and Trials
Despite the jubilation of reaching the final, Ivory Coast's path to glory has been fraught with uncertainty.
The Elephants' lacklustre performances throughout the tournament hinted at an early exit, yet their resilience shone through as they clinched a lifeline, advancing to the knockout rounds as the fourth-ranked third-placed team.
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