President Bola Tinubu is set to attend the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
The President of the Confederation of African Football Federations, Patrice Motsepe, confirmed Tinubu’s plan to be present during a press conference in Abidjan.
Motsepe expressed his optimism for the final and mentioned that he would discuss the possibility of Nigeria hosting the World Cup again with President Tinubu. Vice President Kashim Shettima also attended the semi-finals, where Nigeria emerged victorious. The AFCON 2023 final will take place on Sunday at 9 pm Nigerian time, and the event may spark discussions about Nigeria’s potential World Cup bid.
During a press conference in Abidjan on Friday, Motsepe conveyed his optimism about the upcoming final on Sunday and also mentioned that President Tinubu would be among the guests in attendance.
“I was told the President of Nigeria is coming. I was sitting next to the Vice President during the Nigeria-South Africa game. While I can’t show excitement when any nation scores, they said they could see my happiness. And yes, I am always happy,” he said.
When asked if Africa could host the World Cup again, he said, “Nigeria must put in a bid.”
He revealed that he would have a conversation with President Tinubu about it on Sunday.
“If you haven’t been to Lagos, you haven’t been to Africa. As president of 54 member federations, I owe them all a duty, but I am proud of Nigeria,” he added, expressing his admiration for Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the semi-finals on Wednesday when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties.
The AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire is scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 9 pm Nigerian time.
As the excitement builds for the showdown, discussions about Nigeria potentially hosting the World Cup again may emerge during President Tinubu’s attendance at the event.
