As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 final approaches, African football legends gathered for an intimate sit-down with the media in Abidjan to share their most memorable experiences of the competition. The event, held on Saturday, 10 February, featured AFCON-winning captains reflecting on the success of the 34th edition of the tournament set to conclude on Sunday, 11 February at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Epimbe, Abidjan.

Nwankwo Kanu, representing Nigeria, expressed the disappointment of losing at home in 2000 and emphasized the dominance of Nigerian football in the 90s. He highlighted the talent, force, flair, and system that made Nigeria a formidable force on the field. Kanu also praised the 1996 squad for their victories against Mexico and Brazil, showcasing the team’s exceptional capabilities.

Neil Tovey, speaking on behalf of South Africa, revealed that the team had underestimated the significance of the tournament. He credited Nelson Mandela’s influence following the 1995 Rugby World Cup win, which inspired the team to strive for success in the 1996 AFCON, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa.

Abedi Pele from Ghana commended the host country, Cote d’Ivoire, for their excellent organization and preparation for the tournament. He acknowledged the advancements in football, noting changes in positioning, training, and overall game efficiency that have positively impacted the sport.

Hossam Hassan, representing Egypt, reminisced about his victory in the 2006 AFCON, highlighting the competition as one of the best in the world. He cherished the opportunity to compete against top talents on the continent and shared his fondest memory of captaining the squad in 2006.