Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, former Nigeria international and part of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad, has offered his prediction for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 final. Odegbami believes that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will square off against host nation Ivory Coast in the tournament’s ultimate clash.

Nigeria is scheduled to face South Africa in the competition’s first semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday evening, while Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo’s leopards in the second semi-final match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium for a spot in the final.

Odegbami, popularly known as ‘The Mathematical,’ had earlier expressed confidence in Nigeria winning the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. “I said long before the finals that we would be champions of Africa. Many people thought I was just sounding off. Now, they are seeing their light. Everyone appears to believe now that the Super Eagles can do it,” Odegbami remarked.

Anticipating the semi-final outcomes, Odegbami predicts that Nigeria will defeat South Africa, and Ivory Coast will emerge victorious over DR Congo. According to him, the stage is set for a classic final match on February 11, where he envisions Nigeria facing Ivory Coast for the AFCON title.