WATCH: Ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star apologises to Drogba after tipping Nigeria for AFCON 2023 glory

The Ivorian legend failed to win the continental championship during his trophy-laden career

Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has backed Nigeria to beat Cote d’Ivoire to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will go up against AFCON hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan in a few hours.

Already, former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and ex-Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand have shown their support to Nigeria to overcome the Ivorians.

Sturridge has also toed the same path, confirming his choice in a video that has gone viral on social media.

The former England international admits that Cote d’Ivoire will offer stiff resistance to Nigeria. Still, he expects William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen to inspire the Super Eagles to victory.

Sturridge knows his choice of support would not be pleasing to the ears of former Chelsea teammate, Didier Drogba.

Drogba and Sturridge were together at Chelsea when the Blues won their maiden UEFA Champions League honour in 2012.

Drogba has been Cote d’Ivoire’s biggest fan at this tournament, showing up to watch all their matches. 

And Sturridge has sent his apologies to the former Africa Footballer of the Year for backing Nigeria to secure a fourth continental trophy.

 

While Cote d’Ivoire have lost two games at the AFCON, Nigeria are the only unbeaten team in the competition, with one draw and five wins.

The Super Eagles accounted for one of the Elephants’ defeats, with Troost-Ekong netting the crucial decider when both teams met on matchday two at the same stadium that will host the final.