Africa Cup of Nations: Can Nigeria And Ivory Coast Avoid More Shocks In Quarter-Finals?

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Upsets and unpredictability have been the story of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with none of the quarter-finalists from the 2021 edition of the tournament reaching the last eight in Ivory Coast.

Defending champions Senegal, the continent’s top-ranked side Morocco and record seven-time winners Egypt all fell by the wayside in the last 16 against the odds.

Just four countries who have lifted the trophy remain and Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea and Mali are still dreaming of becoming continental champions for the first time.

Three-time winners Nigeria are now the favourites on paper as the highest-ranked country left, at 42nd in the world, but the Super Eagles will be wary of the growing expectation on them as the West Africans seek a first Afcon triumph since 2013.

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