AFCON: Abdijan in festive mood as Ivorian government declares public holiday for Ivory Coast-Nigeria clash

The streets of Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial capital Abidjan were agog on Wednesday as fans discussed and anticipated the epic clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and host Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.

The match is the second for both teams in Group A of the ongoing AFCON 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, via Vanguard newspaper, that Ivorian fans draped in their orange, white, and green flags were seen dancing, while joints blare music and big screens dot all corners of the city.

Meanwhile, the Ivorian government has declared a public holiday for students as the country plays Nigeria in their second match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to Nigeria Info.

Schools have passed this information to parents, as seen by a notice issued by the International English School, Abidjan, while public workers would work half-day.

The Serge Aurier-led Elephants are occupying the topspot in the group after defeating Guinea Bissau 2-0 in their opening game, while the Super Eagles’s match against Equitoria Guinea ended in 1-1 draw.