Former Everton striker Kone names seven AFCON title contenders including Super Eagles 

Former Everton striker and retired Ivory Coast international Arouna Koné has named seven countries he believes can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast are on Kone's list, along with Senegal, Morrocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt. 

Kone, a veteran of three Africa Cup of Nations, has insisted that Ivory Coast are the team to beat at the tournament starting on January 13.

He was in the Elephants team that narrowly beat the Super Eagles 1-0 at the 2006 AFCON and was a non-playing substitute in games against Nigeria in the 2008 and 2013 editions of the tournament.

The Super Eagles have not brought back the AFCON trophy to Abuja since the legendary Stephen Keshi led them to win the title in 2013.

Despite failing to win the tournament since their triumph in South Africa ten years ago, few would write off the Super Eagles squad, given the attacking players in their ranks including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface. Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman. 

On his favorites to win the 2023 AFCON, Kone told Sport Ivoire: "I would say at first glance Ivory Coast. I'm not saying it because I'm Ivorian. But I say it because we have quality in our team.

"Next to Ivory Coast, there are the Lions of Téranga, reigning champions and the Atlas Lions of Morocco who had an exceptional performance during the World Cup in Qatar.

"After those, there are the natural favorites who will have their say. I want to talk about Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana without forgetting Egypt with 7 continental coronations.

"Ivory Coast also holds a special place in this contingent of natural favorites. There are big favorites and natural favorites. And I know that it will be between these two categories."

Nigeria have embarked on a one-week training camp in the United Arab Emirates and will play two friendlies before flying to Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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