AFCON 2023 draw in full: Super Eagles handed tricky draw against familiar foes in Group A

The draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was held in Ivory Coast, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles getting drawn in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast.

Fans of African football were promised a number of intriguing match-ups, with historically strong teams like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Mali sitting in Pot 2, while fellow juggernauts Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, and hosts Ivory Coast occupy the first pot, and the draw did not disappoint.

Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013, when a Sunday Mba goal in the final against Burkina Faso clinched the first AFCON title for the Super Eagles in 19 years after they beat Ivory Coast in the quarterfinal.

The Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations after finishing at the top of their qualifying group following five wins and one loss.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were drawn alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau in Group A, and will take on the Elephants in their opening match of the tournament. 

The Super Eagles were in the same AFCON qualifying group as Guinea Bissau, as they suffered their only loss in the qualifying stage against the Djurtus. 

Ivory Coast also present a familiar face after playing against the Super Eagles at the 2013, 2008, and 2006 tournaments. 

Record-winners Egypt will play in Group B against Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, while Senegal and Cameroon make up a tough Group C against Gambia and Guinea. 

Algeria and Burkina Faso headline Group D, which also includes Angola and Mauritania, while Group E comprises Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, and Namibia. 

Finally, Group F will see World Cup finalists Morocco take on DR Congo, Zambia and Tanzania.