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July 2022: Sebastien Haller is diagnosed with testicular cancer.

February 2024: Haller starts for Ivory Coast in the Afcon final.

Read: Sebastien Haller bids to cap return from cancer in final for Ivory Coast.

Nedum Onuoha
Former Manchester City defender on BBC Three

Image source, Reuters

Vibes, pure vibes. Listening to Kolo talk about the Ivorian team, they've got options. We've only probably seen 14 players from Nigeria make a real impact.

Samuel Chukwueze did well when he came on against South Africa in the last game, I'm glad to see him come in. It's going to be an interesting battle.

Xtian: English FA and referees should learn proper refereeing and how to use VAR and be consistent with it from the games at Afcon. Standard of officiating has been top notch and near perfect. Africa is blessed.

Uchenna Ezeh: Who else noticed that there hasn't been a single referring or VAR controversy in this Afcon? We don't talk much about this, because it is Africa. I think the EPL refs should be sent to Africa for tutorial.

Kolo Toure
Former Ivory Coast & Arsenal defender Kolo Toure on BBC Three

Image source, Reuters

This is important for the country, it's been a strange tournament for the Ivory Coast but they've made the final against a team that beat us. It's a really exciting game.

This is the second time these two sides have met at this tournament.

On 18 January, Nigeria defeated the hosts 1-0 in the group stage thanks to a penalty by former Watford midfielder William Troost-Ekong.

Will there be a repeat outcome or will Ivory Coast get revenge?

Image source, Reuters

This final is taking place in Abidjan, a lively coastal city in Ivory Coast.

The city does have a large population of Nigerians so the Super Eagles will be well backed in the final.

Eleven years after they were last crowned continental champions, Nigeria are aiming to win their fourth title and in doing so match the tally of old rivals Ghana - only Egypt with seven, and Cameroon with five, have won it more often.

A reminder that you can watch the final live on BBC Three. Coverage has just started with Kolo Toure and Nedum Onuoha the studio guests. By the way, there will be 30 minutes of extra-time if necessary followed by penalties if the scores are still level.

Watch the best goals from the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, featuring former Manchester United player Bebe's 40-yard free-kick for Cape Verde.

Desi786: Equatorial Guinea defeated Ivory Coast 4-0, but then lost to Guinea, who in turn lost to the DRC. Ivory Coast defeated the DRC, completing the circle.

Kristian Reed
BBC World Service in Abidjan

The Alassane Ouattara stadium was full well over an hour before kick off, with fans making their way to the stadium all day. Even six hours before the start we saw fans milling around the ground waiting to get in!

The match has the whole country talking and full of anticipation. And not just because it might mean a day off work and school tomorrow should Ivory Coast win!

The closing ceremony has treated us to a host of Ivorian musicians and singers and a fireworks display to rival London or Sydney. Let's hope for similar pyrotechnics on the pitch when the game starts

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

There's even pictures circulating of an elephant on its way to the ground.

This could be as fun off the pitch as on it.

Expect vibrant colours, an electric atmosphere and trumpets and drums in the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium, one of the most modern sporting venues in Africa.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, .

A bonus episode of the World Football at Afcon podcast is now available which previews the final between Nigeria and hosts Ivory Coast.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon and Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong while the team hear from former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on his mentoring relationship with one of the Ivorian stars of the tournament, Brighton winger Simon Adingra.

They also go behind the scenes in the Nigeria camp with their former media officer Oluwatoyin Ibitoye who is now following the team as a broadcaster.

Click here to listen.

Image source, Rex Features

You Go Chavez: Great tournament. Looking forward to the all West African final. Best of luck Cote d'Ivoire. Best of luck Nigeria.

Kolo Toure
2015 Afcon winner with Ivory Coast

Image source, Reuters

Ivory Coast fans are unbelievable and you can see that all the country is passionate about this Nations Cup.

Some of them don't have food or a clean place to sleep but when the football comes, they forget their daily struggles and they expect the players to give 150%. As long as you give everything, they have no problem with you.

If Ivory Coast win the match, it's going to be double the celebration of 2015.

Image source, Getty Images

As ever, please get in touch. Where are you watching the final? Who will be crowned champions of Africa?

Share your thoughts the usual way.

#bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

John Bennett
BBC Sport in Abidjan on 5 Live

Excitement is building. I've been in one of the quieter districts of Abidjan today and even there it has been much busier than usual. People have been out in their Ivory Coast orange and white colours. People here are so confident - they think it is destiny for Ivory Coast to win this trophy after all the twists and turns.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are among the starters for Nigeria.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is also in along with former Everton forward Adamola Lookman.

Nigeria XI: Nwabali, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Aina, Sanusi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Osimhen, Chukwueze, Lookman.

Former West Ham forward Sebastien Haller starts for Ivory Coast, who are captained by ex-Nottingham Forest player Serge Aurier.

Hull City's Jean Michael Seri also starts for the hosts.

Ivory Coast XI: Y Fofana, Aurier, Konan, Kossounou, Ndicka, Seri, S Fofana, Kessie, Gradel, Haller, Adingra.

Less than an hour to kick-off so straight to the team news.