By Victor Kanayo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will on Thursday October 12, 2023, organise for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Cote d’ivoire.
The continental soccer governing body disclosed this in a statement via its official website.
Part of the statement reads, “African football euphoria is in the air throughout the country of Cote d’Ivoire, as the Ivorian nation counts down to Thursday evening’s globally anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Official Draw.
“Set to take place at the Parc Des Exposition in Abidjan, the Official Draw marks yet another exciting milestone to the build-up to the 34th edition of the biggest event on African soil ahead of its official start between 13 January – 11 February next year.
“Delegations from each of the 24 participating nations, CAF legends, international media, CAF commercial partners, showbiz celebrities and African leaders are gradually descending to the Ivorian shores ahead of the much-anticipated event, which will set the tone for what promises to be the best TotalEnergies AFCON tournaments to date.
“While the Draw is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, the whole nation of Cote d’Ivoire is abuzz with African football excitement with Ivorian national flags being proudly hoisted across key national points throughout the country.
“The tournament’s official Mascot, “Akwaba” is also visibly seen at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, city centers and street poles across all five host cities – warmly welcoming visitors in the native language of Baoulé, which translates to “Welcome”.
According to the organisers, the draw ceremony will be broadcast live on CAF’s YouTube channel and on CAF’s global TV partners, as well as beamed in over 50 countries.
Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo DR, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire as host have already qualified for the biggest continental football fiesta.
