The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea in Group A of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 2023 AFCON is slated for January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Cote d’Ivoire.
The draw was held at the Parc Des Expositions in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday night.
Two-time African Footballer of the Year, and former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, and former Nigerian international, John Mikel Obi, also drew from the pots, which saw their two nations pitted together.
The hosts Ivory Coast – winners in 1992 and 2015 – will open the tournament on January 13 against Guinea-Bissau.
In the other draw highlights, defending champions Senegal were pitted against Cameroon while record winners Egypt will renew hostilities with Ghana.
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Senegal, who triumphed earlier this year, were drawn in Group C against Cameroon, Guinea, and AFCON debutants Gambia in what looks a competitive pool.
Ironically, Senegal meet Cameroon in a friendly in France on Monday as part of their build-up to defend the trophy on Ivorian soil.
Egypt, hunting a record-extending eighth continental crown, will face Ghana in Group B in a repeat of the 2010 final which the Pharaohs won late on. Cape Verde and Mozambique complete the group.
Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, and South Africa add further star quality to Group E in another exciting pool.
Elsewhere, AFCON semi-finalists Morocco should navigate a comfortable Group F containing DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Matches will take place at six venues across the country, including newly constructed stadiums in Abidjan, Korhogo, and San Pedro.
See the full draw below:
Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau
Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique
Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia
Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia
Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania
