Ex-Chelsea Star, Mikel Obi Predicts 2023 AFCON Finalist

Former Nigerian player and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has made a prediction regarding the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in a recent Podcast, the 36-year-old said the ultimate AFCON showdown will feature Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

SportXparte reports that Ivory Coast emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Mali, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the last four by defeating Angola.

Nigeria is scheduled to face South Africa in the first semifinal on Wednesday evening, while Ivory Coast will clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, Mikel Obi’s prediction suggests that these two teams will meet for the second time in the tournament, having previously faced each other in the group stage.

In that encounter, Jose Peseiro’s team emerged triumphant with a solitary goal against the Elephants.

Obi, when asked whether it will be an Ivory Coast against Nigeria final, said, “I think so. I was thinking about it the other day, and I was thinking that we managed to beat them in the group stage, and they were on the verge of leaving the tournament and all of a sudden, you know, they are back in it and now.

“They have got a wind with them and now are playing prettily okay but not so well, but they have started to win games and now if they can manage to get to the final, who knows?”