34th AFCON FINAL A WEST AFRICAN AFFAIR

There is no gain saying that atimes history repeats itself in one way rather the other socio economic dealings across the world. This was what happened in the city of Bouake of the cocoa rich West African nation of Ivory Coast on Sunday evening as three time continental champions Super Eagles rewrite the feat of the1984 National team under Coach Festus Onigbinde featuring players including late Mudanshiru Lawal and Patrick Okala, likewise bedridden Henry Nwosu , and other stars encompassing Ademola Adeshina, Chibizor Ehilegbu, Clement Temile, Mohammed lbrahim popularly called Danladi Ck but fell woefully to highly rated indomitable Lions of Cameroun under Coach Claude Leroy by three goals to one parading stars like Thomas Nkono, Kunde,Mbida, Roger Miller, Audu Ibrahim ,late Theophille Abega, Bonaventure Djonkep who took the world by storm at the 1982 World Cup in Spain by returning home unbeaten not forgotten playing a one all draw with eventual winners Italy.
This time around is not the Cameroonians the Eagles will meet but another. Francophone nation Ivory Coast who had earlier suffered a one zero defeat on the hands of Super Eagles in the group stage of the continental tournament.
Although our prayers is for the team to return home with the cup as we do not want what occurred during the 1984 event to resurface, but there is the need for the three time winners to buckle up in the final match with a view to guard against complacency this became imperative if they are to match Ghana Black Stars record of lifting the trophy on four editon which is the best record set in the West African sub region
Obviously winning the competition will not be a big deal for the Eagles in view of the lads exposure, skills and determination and good football artistry but there is the need for them tO redouble effort as this time around will be much pretty hard as the tie will involve those hosting the event hence from all indication they will be accorded some advantages here and there but this not withstanding will not deny the Nigerians the chance to wallop their West African neighbours if they would do the needful on sunday.
Despite the fact that the Elephants are the host the pressure will highly be on Eagles going by the calibre of players they came with which nobody will challenge them in that regard if they eventually emerged kingpins but football as analysts say is unpredictable.
Now as all eyes will be focused on the famous Houphoet Boigny Stadium in the heart of the capital city Abidjan to see who would emerge the bride groom, will it be Eagles that will swallow the Elephants or vice versa this is a million naira question that only time will tell after the epic final come Sunday the eleventh of February
But our fervent wish is for the Jose Paseiro’s side to lift the trophy.