Sebastien Haller scored the goal that sent the Ivorian Football team to the final of the AFCON 2023 tournament where they will play against Nigeria.
Ivory Coast and Borussia Dortmund striker, Sebastien Teddy Haller, has admitted that he's feeling the pressure ahead of his side's clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Haller, 29, scored the only goal of the game in Ivory Coast's AFCON 2023 semi-final clash against DR Congo and is set to start for the two-time AFCON Champions.
The former Frankfurt man was absent from action when both sides last met in their Group A clash due to an injury but is primed to make a difference this evening.
Speaking in the pre-game conference, the former Auxerre man believes the group clash between both sides should be an advantage, as they have seen each other's weaknesses.
“I believe it is both an advantage for Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire. A group stage match and a final match are different things. Preparation will be different and we will see how tomorrow will be. I am expecting a tough game.”
Quizzed about how he feels about the Nigerian defence, Haller is poised for the clash and admits he wants to give the defenders a nightmare of a game at the Stade Olympique Allasane Ouattara.
“We know the way Nigerians play. It is going to be a physically demanding game. It is up to us to give them problems and utilize their weaknesses. Even though the defenders have similar physiques as I do, we will make sure we play a great game tomorrow,” the 1.9m tall striker said.
Haller's job in the Ivorian team is to deliver goals and he has only gotten one so far in Ivory Coast and highlighted that he feels the pressure to do more, as do his teammates.
“Yes of course I feel the pressure. I am a striker. Everything that pertains to scoring goals. This pressure has to be taken by everyone. Strikers are always in front. It is a good pressure with a lot of people supporting you every day. I hope this good pressure brings my country to the top,” the former Ajax man added.
Both sides will meet by 9:00 PM (W.A.T) as a champion will be crowned tonight. Haller looks to taste his first silverware with Ivory Coast since switching from France in 2020.
