With just days to go until Ivory Coast kick off the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has expressed his pride at seeing his country host the 34u edition of Africa’s biggest event.
Ivory Coast hosts the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 between January 13 – February 11, with 24 nations expected to compete for Africa’s most coveted trophy.
Speaking to CAFOnline recently, the global football icon who has contributed immensely to the rich history of African football says that seeing his nation host the event gives him a sense of pride.
“It brings a sense of pride to me. The last time was in 1984. The fact that I wore the shirt of the national team and now you see the tournament hosted at home is great. We are very happy to welcome all of Africa. It’s going to be a party,” said Ivory Coast’s all-time top scorer (65).
Despite not lifting the title, Drogba has very fond memories of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.
“It is the most beautiful pageant for all Africans. I was inspired by Roger Milla, Gadji Celi, Youssouf Fofana and many others. Our legends were revealed in this tournament. Laurent Pokou for example and others. For us it is the celebration of African football. The unity of a continent to see Sadio Mane, Obi Mikel, is the party of Africa for a month,” said the former skipper who played in two finals (2006), (2012) where they fell against Egypt and Zambia.
The former Chelsea striker further emphasized that visitors can expect a warm and friendly welcome from the Ivorian world.
“We have a very beautiful country. Welcoming nation and we know the competition will go well. We are ready to welcome the world. It is a privilege to receive so many visitors to Ivory Coast,” he concluded.