France, Dec. 24 -- The Ivorians outwitted Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the 2023 Cup of Nations to brandish the trophy for a third time.

Nearly two years on from that triumph just outside Abidjan, Fae and his charges take on a side from a country that has never won a match in five previous visits to Africa's most prestigious national team football competition.

"We've all prepared well, technically, physically and mentally," said the 41-year-old former Ivoiran international.

"We know what the competition is like. We know it's not going to be easy. We're ready to rise to the challenge."

His warning will carry weight after the squad's run to the 2023 title.

Hosts' zany triumph caps feral month at Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire

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