By Washira Helene
Akwaba, a friendly elephant with a big smile, was revealed as the official mascot for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The revelation was made on Friday, July 7, 2023 — during a ceremony in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the host country for the tournament.
Akwaba is a traditional Ivorian greeting that means “welcome.” The elephant is a symbol of strength and power in African culture, and it is also a popular tourist attraction in Ivory Coast.
The mascot’s design reflects the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.
The 2023 AFCON will be held from January 23 to February 23, 2024.
It will be the first time that Ivory Coast has hosted the tournament since 1984.
The tournament is expected to attract over 2 million fans from around the world.
The previous edition in 2022 was hosted by Cameroon amid Crisis in the English-speaking regions.
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