In a highly-anticipated announcement, former Super Eagles Captain and football legend, John Mikel Obi, is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mikel has been named among the distinguished assistants who will participate in the final draw of the tournament, signifying his enduring impact on African football.
Mikel, known for his illustrious career with both the Nigerian national team and Chelsea Football Club, will be joined by a star-studded lineup of assistants, adding a touch of glamour to the prestigious event.
His former Chelsea teammate and Ivorian football icon, Didier Drogba, Senegal’s prolific striker, Sadio Mane, and Morocco’s formidable defender, Achraf Hakimi, will share this esteemed responsibility with Mikel.
Global music sensation and philanthropist, Akon, has been entrusted with the role of hosting this highly-anticipated draw ceremony, further elevating the event’s global appeal.
Mikel Obi, who boasts an impressive footballing resume, having clinched the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title with the Nigerian national team, is a three-time AFCON bronze medalist. His participation in the final draw is seen as a fitting recognition of his contributions to African football and his enduring legacy.
The draw ceremony is scheduled to take place at the state-of-the-art Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, showcasing Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to hosting a world-class tournament. This event will bring together an illustrious gathering of football delegations and coaches from each of the 24 participating nations, as well as revered CAF legends, international media, CAF commercial partners, showbiz celebrities, and prominent African leaders.
With an assembly of such prominent figures, the final draw promises to be a grand spectacle that will undoubtedly mark the beginning of an exciting countdown to what is being hailed as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Football enthusiasts from across the continent and around the world are eagerly awaiting the tournament, which is already shaping up to be an exceptional celebration of African football talent.