A young Ivorian has disclosed he wants the Super Eagles to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) over his birth country following Nigeria's 1-nil defeat of the host in their group A encounter.
Twenty-four-year-old Morakinyo Sessan Frank, whose parents are from Nigeria, was the only one seen flying the Nigerian flag at the AFCON Village in 'Palais de la Culture' where thousands of fans gathered to watch Côte d'Ivoire take on Nigeria on Thursday evening.
He spoke to Nigeria Info on his reason for standing different amid thousands of Ivorian fans supporting the Elephants.
"I'm Ivorian even though my origin is from Nigeria. My dad and mum are from Nigeria but I'm Ivorian,” he said.
“I was born in Côte d'Ivoire, I'm young, and I support Nigeria.”
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Despite having not visited Nigeria in his 24 years on earth, with his only connection to Nigeria, apart from his parents' roots, being through Nigerian movies and music, Morakinyo thumps his chest out for the Super Eagles.
“Nigeria can win this tournament because the AFCON is a must-win. Nigeria is the biggest and the best in the world. Omo Jaiye Jaiye," he enthused, completing his sentence with his patchy Yoruba slang.
Asked about how he feels that his country lost the match to Nigeria, Morakinyo said, “Discouragement is not Ivorian.
"Despite the defeat against the Nigerians, Ivorians still feel happy and are in the party.
“Ivorians like to party, and it’s in the atmosphere. Whatever the situation at home in Côte d’Ivoire, we say discouragement is not Ivorian.
"I want Nigeria to win the AFCON. Nigeria is the king of Africa today, tomorrow, and forever. We are Ivorians, but Nigeria is the best country in the world," Morakinyo affirmed.
Thursday’s result means Nigeria is second in Group A with four points, behind Equatorial Guinea on goals difference. The host, Côte d’Ivoire is third with three points, and Guinea Bissau is left with no point after two games.
Nigeria will play Guinea Bissau in the last group match on Monday, with Côte d’Ivoire taking on Equatorial Guinea.
