The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire will be held on Sunday amid tight security.

The final will be held between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the hosts, the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire, at the 60,000-capacity Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium, D’Ebimpe.

The supporters of both Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire football teams were already trooping into the stadium at the time of filling this report, with everyone subjected to high-level security screening before access to the stadium.

A correspondent covering the tournament reports that security around the stadium has been beefed up with the support of the military.

Mobile prison vehicles are positioned at strategic positions at the stadium to ensure a smooth operation for security agencies.

The stadium is also wearing a new look ahead of the final scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

The Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw in their first game against Equatorial Guinea, dispatched hosts Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 in the second game and recorded a 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in the last group B match.

The three-time African champions defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16 and secured a 1-0 win over the Palacas Negras of Angola in the quarter-final.

Nigeria advanced to the final after a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout against South Africa in the semi-final following a 1-1 draw during regulation time.

Nigeria won the AFCON title in 1980, 1994 and 2013. 

(NAN)