Patrice Motsepe, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu will be present at the stadium on Sunday to watch the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr Motsepe confirmed the development at a press conference held by the CAF supremo in Abidjan on Friday while responding to a question from a journalist asking when Africa can host the FIFA World Cup again. 

“Nigeria must put in a bid,” Mr Motsepe said. “The Nigerian president (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it,” he added.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat South Africa in the penalty shootout on Wednesday to reach the final of this year’s tournament, setting up a final showdown with the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday.

Mr Tinubu sent his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to Côte d’Ivoire to represent him in the game against South Africa, having just been back a few days earlier from a trip to France but will be present at the stadium on Sunday for the final.

The game is Nigeria’s presence in the final of the AFCON since the Super Eagles last reached the stage in 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso in the final to clinch their third continental title.