Nigeria versus Ivory Coast, Ghana against Egypt and Three other top AFCON group clash

The draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has successfully been concluded with all 24 teams, including the host Ivory Coast, finding out their opponents at the group stage.

The event which was graced by legends of the game provided fans of African football with some mouthwatering fixtures.

The tournament has been slated for January and February next year with the continent set for a new champion.

Holders Senegal will be hoping to defend the title in Abidjan but will face stern competition from all teams that have qualified for the tournament.

The draw saw the 24 nations divided into six groups of four countries each, as sighted on CAF's social media.

However, Sports Brief looks at the top five games from the draw held on Thursday in Abidjan,

Ivory Coast versus Nigeria

Group A will provide fans with the first big game at the competition when Ivory Coast face the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Between the two nations are five AFCON titles with Ivory Coast winning the competition two times while Nigeria's triumph in 2013 saw them earn a third trophy.

Ivory Coast and Nigeria boost of some of the finest talents on the continent. Victor Osimhen of Nigeria is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world while Sebastien Haller and Wilfried Zaha will be featuring for the Ivorians.

Ghana versus Egypt

The two countries have 11 Africa Cup of Nations titles between them and are of course the pioneers of football on the continent. The match also has a historical undertone with Ghana set for a revenge against the Pharaohs, a team that prevented the Black Stars from winning its fifth AFCON title.

Egypt will arrive at the tournament with arguably the best player on the continent, Mohamed Kudus while Ghana has an emerging star in Mohammed Kudus.

Senegal versus Cameroon

A Group C game to savour. Senegal have a love affair with Cameroon, the country where they won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title.

However, Cameroon are the second most successful footballing nation on the continent, having won the tournament five times.

Veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar could be making his final appearance at the tournament and would want to make a mark against the champions with star man Sadio Mane.

Algeria versus Burkina Faso

After a disappointing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria will be returning all guns blazing but they will have to deal with a stubborn Burkina Faso side, who have been consistent in recent tournaments.

Riyad Mahrez will be eyeing a return to the podium with a final dance in Ivory Coast.

Burkina Faso have some of the best young talents in Africa with the likes of Ibrahim Sangnare expected to flourish at AFCON 2023.

Tunisia versus Mali

One of the games that will decide Group F, which also houses South Africa and Namibia. Tunisia won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 and have been consistent since, progressing out of their group several times.

However, they will have to deal with perennial darkhorse Mali.