The Ivorian government has announced Thursday, January 18, as a public holiday for all schools across the country in preparation for their second Group A game at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The host nation will lock horns against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
The holiday, according to the government of the francophone country, is to ensure the populace is well-prepared and to fully support the Ivory Coast Elephants as they prepare for the match.
A resident of Cote d’Ivoire confirmed the government’s directive.
“Yes. All public sectors are included. “It’s a half-working day for banks only,” the source told newsmen.
The match is expected to start at 6 p.m. Nigerian time.
Cote d’Ivoire began their AFCON campaign with a 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau, while Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their first match.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have met six times in the AFCON, with two wins apiece and two draws.
The Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw when they faced Equatorial Guinea in their 2023 AFCON opener.
The star-studded Nigerian side failed to secure all three points despite a goal by Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year.
