By George Aluo
Cote d’Ivoire’s ageing soccer legend, Didier Drogba has made it clear that the on going Nations Cup in South Africa will be his last. Drogba’s dream is to bow out in style by kissing the trophy after failing to do so in 2006 and 2012 despite coming so close. It is recalled that the Elephants lost the 2006 final to hosts Egypt and were beaten in the 2012 final by Zambia.
They lost on both occasions by 10-9 penalties after full and extra time ended in a draw. This time round, the Elephants must get past the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Sunday’s quarter final to keep hopes alive. One man that believes Drogba’s dream will be shattered is Abdijan-based Nigerian soccer agent, Gordon Osusu who says he sees the Eagles beating the Elephants in the all-important clash billed for the Olympic Park stadium in Rustenburg.
Osusu in a Facebook chat with Saturday Sunsports noted that the Stephen Keshi tutored Eagles are improving with every game declaring that they will shock the star studded Elephants on Sunday. “I have told my Ivorien friends that the celebration will be in Nigeria on Sunday. This is the knock out stage and it is not always the best team that wins. The team that makes the least mistake carries the day and there is also this element of luck.
On paper the Elephants are favorites, but they are beatable. The Eagles are getting better with every game. They will play with more cohesion and determination against the Elephants. They will create the biggest upset of the tournament on Sunday,” Osusu stated. Osusu who is in South Africa to enjoy the Nations Cup stated that Keshi is parading a young team that will go places with time. “I just hope the soccer federation will keep this team together.
The boys are young and talented. They will keep improving with time. Its not easy to build a strong team. Its not something that is done over night. If we keep this team together they will go places with time. I played football and I know what I am talking about,” Osusu who in his heyday laced boots for 3SC and other top Nigerian premier league sides said.
we hope so
I dreamt one outplayed the other 2 0.hope it is no Nigeria
A dream come true, the talent exhibited by Eagles in the first half of the game is like the Brasil of the old. The ivorian Elephants were completely out played. The first and second goals were international goals ratings. Keshi and this Eagles team has played into world soccer rankings. All teams will play you with respect.
NDUBUISI.