AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Crowned Champions, Five Players Who Could Move to England

AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Crowned Champions for the Third Time

After four weeks of action-packed football and entertainment, AFCON 2023 came to a pulsating end on Sunday evening with the host nation Ivory Coast once again crowned the champions of Africa for the third time in history.

The West Africans add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.

This year's edition will be remembered for so many footballing reasons, and also for being the first-ever tournament to have a manager sacked mid-competition after Cote d'Ivoire fired Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with Emerse Fae who led the team to victory on home soil.

Five Players Who Could Move to England After Impressing in Cote d'Ivoire

This year's AFCON also showcased the talents of several players who could potentially make a move to the Premier League in the summer. Here are five players who impressed in Cote d'Ivoire and could be heading to England:

1. Ademola Lookman - Atalanta

Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward, has already made a name for himself in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. After a successful stint in Italy with Atalanta, where he scored 13 goals last season and seven in the current season, Lookman showcased his skills in the AFCON, scoring three important goals for Nigeria. With his experience and versatility as an inverted winger, Lookman could soon be back in England.

2. Zaidu Sanusi - FC Porto

Zaidu Sanusi, the talented left-back from FC Porto, had an impressive performance for Nigeria in the AFCON. Known for his skill, pace, and power, Sanusi has already proven himself in European football with FC Porto. He would be a valuable addition to any mid-table Premier League side.

3. Seko Fofana - Al Nassr

Seko Fofana, the Ivorian midfielder, has the qualities of a typical Premier League box-to-box midfielder. He showcased his skills while playing for Lens, helping them qualify for the Champions League last season. Although he recently moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, a good offer from a Premier League club could tempt him. Fofana has the potential to become the next Yaya Toure.

4. Victor Osimhen - Napoli

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, has already made a name for himself with Napoli, helping them win the league title. While his performance in the AFCON further solidified his talent, Osimhen has been linked to both Arsenal and Chelsea. He has proven to be a team player and could be a valuable asset for any Premier League club.

5. Stanley Nwabali - Chippa United

Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper from Chippa United, showcased the rare talent of African goalkeepers at the top level. With the success of Andre Onana at Manchester United and Edouard Mendy at Chelsea, Nwabali could be the next African goalkeeper to make a mark in the Premier League.

In conclusion, AFCON 2023 was a thrilling tournament that saw Ivory Coast emerge as champions for the third time. The event also highlighted the talents of several players who could potentially make a move to the Premier League. Ademola Lookman, Zaidu Sanusi, Seko Fofana, Victor Osimhen, and Stanley Nwabali all impressed with their performances and could be heading to England in the summer. Football fans can look forward to seeing these players showcase their skills in the world's most prestigious league.