Four African Football Stars in Their Farewell AFCON Tournament
Posted By Moses Abubakar
January 16, 2024
9:14 am
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The 2023 AFCON might mark the final chapter for these legends of African football.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands as a prestigious football tournament, witnessing the emergence of fresh talents and the establishment of legacies by iconic players.
Renowned individuals such as Egypt’s Hassan brothers, Stephen Keshi from Nigeria’s Class of ’94, and the enduring legacies of Samuel Eto’o and Rigobert Song have indelibly imprinted their contributions on the tournament.
In a bid to evade the tag of “unfulfilled talent,” we examine five continental stars who might be facing their final opportunity to attain glory in this tournament.
William Troost-Ekong Hailing from the Netherlands, Ekong has served as a pivotal defender for Nigeria. Despite showcasing leadership qualities, he has yet to guide the Super Eagles to success on the continental stage.
At 30 years old and currently playing for PAOK Thessaloniki, Ekong, who boasts 65 caps for Nigeria, stands at a pivotal juncture in his career. His performance in Ivory Coast could carry significant weight for his future with the national team.
Nicolas Pepe As the Ivorian forward and former record signing for Arsenal, Pepe’s inclusion in the Ivory Coast squad has raised eyebrows. At 28 and currently playing for Trabzonspor, he faces considerable pressure to deliver a noteworthy performance on home soil.
His responsibility is to either provide support to players like Sebastian Haller or take the lead himself, with the potential fate of his national team future hanging in the balance.
Hakim Ziyech The Moroccan winger played a crucial role in the national team’s historic semi-final journey in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Despite facing challenges at Galatasaray, Ziyech remains an integral figure for Morocco. At 30 years old, he encounters the task of spearheading his team towards their first AFCON victory since 1976.
The Ayew Brothers Aged 34 and 31 respectively, Andre and Jordan Ayew uphold the legacy of the Abedi Pele family in Ghanaian football. Despite facing criticism, they remain steadfast in their dedication to the national team.
Participating in his eighth AFCON, Andre Ayew, alongside his brother Jordan in his sixth, confronts a pivotal moment. This tournament could potentially mark their last chance to secure silverware for Ghana before contemplating international retirement.
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