The 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations started in Cote D'ivoire at the weekend, with its normal unpredictable actions.

Book makers had already given the qualification slots to the big boys in each group. The other minnow football playing countries were given no chances to make any meaningful impact.

Alas!! after day two of the greatest single event in Africa, the mighty were falling. It became evidently clear that football in the continent has gone beyond what can easily be predicted. It has become clearer that every country in Africa is developing in the game, and faster also.

Host country, Cote d'iviore struggled to beat Guinea Bissau in the opening match. There came day two of the tournament, many were expecting the  bashing of the assumed minnows by the big boys in the continent. But, what did we see. The three time champions of the tournament, Super Eagles of Nigeria had to rely on an Victor Oshimen's quick equalizer to squeeze a draw from the Thunders of Equatorial Guinea, who capitalized on a defensive mix up to get a curtain raiser in that match. 

As if that was not enough, seven time champions, Pharaohs of Egypt and last edition's finalists, relied on an VAR induced penalty to force a two all draw from the Mambas of Mozambique.

Then, the thunder struck at the last match of  the day two of the 34th edition of the 2023 AFCON holding in 2024. Five times champion ,Black Stars of Ghana were swallowed by the Blue Sharks of Cape Varde. The tiny former Portuguese colony showed the once power house of Africa that produced the likes of Abedi Pele that the game has gone beyond names. They reduced the  Black stars players to mere spectators on the pitch. Many were not surprised when they ran away with a two goals to one win.

The first two days of the tournament, really showed that African football has come of age. That is gradually evolving in all aspects, and that the gap between the assumed super powers in the game and the minnows are no longer there. The development of the game is now faster, and the continental super powers need to braise up or be shipped out. The joy of the tournament is just starting.

On Super Eagles of Nigeria, they have no option than to perform in the tournament. The expectations are high, as many had rated them high among others. The Eagles are in the tournament loaded with Super stars in Europe and the current African player of the year. Nigerians are expecting nothing less than the trophy from the Eagles, because they have determined to do it again.