In this interview granted exclusively to the online media African Cup of Nations, just after the CAN 2023 draw at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Didier Drogba, former captain of the national team of Ivory Coast, first discusses the chances of the Elephants, comments on the draw in general and already gets an idea of the level of the competition (January 13 to February 14, 2014).
Your immediate and clear reaction after the draw?
It's a very interesting draw for all the teams. It's a tough draw with balanced groups that are quite difficult for certain teams.
How do you already understand the level of the competition?
The qualified teams all earned their place. There are more than a dozen teams that have won the trophy once. The level will therefore be high. It's up to everyone to try to do their part.
What is your view on group (A) from Ivory Coast, the organizing country?
It's a difficult group because there are no more little ones. Also, Nigeria in this group is strong. Nigeria has won several World Cups and African Cups of Nations. Nigeria also has Victor Osimhen and others. But we are the Elephants of Ivory Coast. We will do everything to perform.
What are Ivory Coast's chances of getting out of the group?
I think that Côte d'Ivoire has every chance of getting out of this group. It's true that it's a tough group with the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are still the favourites of the competition. We have Guinea and Guinea Bissau which will sell their skin dearly. It's going to be a tough field but it's the Ivory Coast that hosts, and organises, the Ivorian public will be there to galvanize the team.
A word already on the Ivory Coast – Nigeria clash?
It's going to be hot because it will certainly be a match with a lot at stake. We wait for the day. We can't wait to follow this poster.
What is your opinion on this Ivorian team today?
I think it's a team that gets a lot of criticism. It's normal. It's a difficult period that Ivorian football has experienced with the elections, before that, the normalization committee, the death of Augustin Sidy Diallo, former president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF). So it's a difficult time even for the players. Currently, I think there is a little more stability. So, it's up to us to push the team to victory.
When Sadio Mané fired Nigeria, what did you say to yourself?
I told him that he could have done better anyway (Laughing).
Source: Coupe d'Afrique des nations