The Attécoubé and Cité Fairmont neighborhoods shared a convivial atmosphere during the match between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, which took place on the second day of Group A of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Ebimpé stadium.
“I’m taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations today with my Ivorian friends. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, I’m celebrating with my family as Nigeria takes on Côte d’Ivoire. No matter who wins, it’s a celebration for us,” said a Nigerian mechanic.
A Nigerian couple, one wearing an Ivorian team T-shirt and the other sporting a Nigerian one, settled down in a CAN village in the Fairmont City to have a drink and watch the match.
“My husband, born in Nigeria, supports his home country, while I, as a Nigerian, support my adopted country, Côte d’Ivoire. For me, the match is a game, not a quarrel. If Côte d’Ivoire wins, we’ll simply exchange shirts,” explains Rachel Olahiola.
Ouombléyon Simon Pierre, Director of Cabinet at Attécoubé Town Hall, points out that the commune represents the “CAN of Hospitality”, being a place of mixing, hospitality, welcome and integration, bringing together all the communities of Côte d’Ivoire.
The Côte d’Ivoire national team unfortunately lost 0-1 to Nigeria at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium.
