Nigerians Predict Tough Finals

Soccer fans in Nigeria have predicted a tough match ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia.

Zambia’s Chipolopolo and Cote d’Ivoire’s Elephants on Wednesday secured the tickets for the final, courtesy of the1-0 semi-final victories over Ghana and Mali, respectively.

The fans, in separate interviews expressed satisfaction with the performances of the four semi-finalists since the competition began on January 21 in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Ernest Ufele, a former player of Rangers FC, Enugu, said: “My team all along has been Cote d’Ivoire. They started well by playing with a lot of determination since the championship commenced.

“Didier Drogba, the team’s captain, has always been a strong player. His efforts and experience contributed immensely to Cote d’Ivoire’s impressive performance so far in the competition.

“Zambia is also a good side. They have done their best, but my heart goes to Cote d’Ivoire.

Edwin Eze, Director of Sports in the Ministry of Information,Youth and Sports,  in Enugu State said the match would be difficult to predict because both teams were tough.

“I see a situation where the Zambians, backed with discretion and ruggedness, will win the trophy, but from the Cote d’Ivoire’s pattern of play, you can see that they have not lost any match.

“So I believe that with the struggle and push by Cote d’Ivoire, they will win the trophy,” Eze said.

Dominic Nwobodo, another ex-Rangers player, in his contribution said: “ Cote d’Ivoire has better chances and they can easily convert their chances to goals than the Zambians.

“Zambia is also a bright team and they are working hard to win the trophy. My prediction is that the better side will win. I think the teams have done well,” Nwobodo said.