There have been reports of power interruptions in Côte d’Ivoire, the country hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), affecting key cities.
This was also corroborated by a few Nigerian journalists who were covering the game in the West African nation. They called the current state of affairs odd and suggested it might have something to do with the host nation’s humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Monday night.
A Nigerian sports journalist, Suleiman Adebayo, popularly known as POOJA, disclosed this during on Tuesday.
He said, “It is real. There is power outrage in Ivory Coast, Maybe it is a coincidence, I don’t know, Of course, they lost yesterday, in a very bad way against Equatorial Guinea.
“This is the first time in a long time, or since we have been here, that there would be a power outage for the past five to six hours.
“The last time we experienced a power outage was like for two minutes. But this time, maybe because of the loss. It is clear yesterday… destruction of buses, and hostility in the city of Abidjan. Waking up this morning and realised there had not been light for the past five to six hours. Maybe it is a coincidence.”
Another sports journalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel added, “Power outrage for over six hours in Abidjan. Heat wan kill us over night. Zero option, No generator and solar. No be us be Equatorial Guinea now.”
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Abidjan on Monday evening as chaos ensued following the disheartening defeat of Cote d’Ivoire’s national football team, the Elephant.
The team’s crushing 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea not only dealt a severe blow to their aspirations in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but also cast a shadow over their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
As two-time champions, the Elephant now find themselves in a precarious situation, forced to confront the possibility of elimination.
The defeat has left them teetering on the edge, requiring them to anxiously await the outcome of their fate.
The team’s future hinges on the complex scenario of advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams, adding an extra layer of suspense to their journey in the tournament.
The streets of Abidjan witnessed a surge of emotions and frustrations, reflecting the profound impact of the football team’s unexpected setback on the passionate supporters and the nation as a whole.
