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Haller will be hoping to lay his hands on the 2023 AFCON against Nigeria after a “difficult” 18 months in which he had to overcome testicular cancer.
Sebastien Haller has revealed he is determined to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast on home soil against Nigeria on Sunday evening after overcoming the biggest fight of his life in 2022.
Haller had to battle testicular cancer back in 2022, something he successfully managed to do before returning to action in 2023 for his club Borussia Dortmund.
The former West Ham and Ajax man also had to endure an injury that threatened to rule him out of the tournament in December, but he managed a comeback in the round of 16 and has not looked back ever since.
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Ahead of their final against Nigeria, Haller admitted how “challenging” the last year and a half has been for him.
“The last 18 months have been quite challenging for myself and the family,” Haller said as quoted on The Athletic. “I just take everything step by step and I just try to enjoy the moment.
“It’s a great moment to be here in front of you, talking about the final of AFCON in my own country. It will take a few months, or a few years, to really realise what happened (to me).”
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Haller missed his team's 1-0 loss against the Super Eagles in the group stages, but he says that might not have an impact.
"There is a difference between playing a group match and a final; the fact that we have already faced each other is an advantage for both teams," the Borussia Dortmund striker stated.
Haller anticipates a tough match and emphasized the need for his team to pose problems for the Nigerian side.
"I expect a tough match, we know how Nigerians play, it's up to us to give them problems. Our journey has strengthened our bonds within the group. Ivory Coast has gone through trials that have made it stronger."
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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21:00 - 25.01.2024
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