By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023 final match on Sunday, Cote d’Ivoire coach, Emerse Faé has disclosed that he has a strategy to implement against Nigeria.

Both teams will clash in the final on Sunday after navigating their semi-final opponents. While Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1, the host nation dispatched DR Congo 1-o to book their passage to the final.

For Faé, appointed mid-tournament after Jean-Louis Gasset’s sacking, said although they had played Nigeria in the group stages, he has a strategy to implement whon both teams file out on Sunday.

“We will take stock in the next two days, we will analyze Nigeria, even though we played them in the group stage, we will see the strategy to implement for the final.

“If we want to win this competition, we will win it with all 27. I’ve been telling the players that everyone is important, including those in the stands, and they understood the message,” Fae said emphasising importance of unity among his boys.

Just weeks ago, a 4-0 humiliation versus Equatorial Guinea left Ivory Cote d’Ivoire’s campaign in tatters. Yet Faé was able to restore belief amidst the wreckage.

The Ivorian rallied his squad, utilising the full 27-man group. “I told the players: you are 27 players and I count on everyone,” explained Faé after enacting his inclusive approach.

This spirited unity has fuelled their march to the final against the odds. Faé has given the Elephants fresh impetus when they needed it most.

From potential catastrophe to Sunday’s showdown with Nigeria, Faé has masterminded one of AFCON’s greatest turnarounds. Now comes the chance to conjure another miracle.