Nigerian musician Yemi Alade is excited to perform for thousands of people at the opening ceremony of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the singer revealed this is an opportunity she has been praying for, for years.

Calling this a ‘dream come true’, Yemi Alade wrote, “I can't buttress the importance of prayer and speaking into existence your heart desires. Since 2016, I have desired to perform at the stadium for football ceremonies surrounded by 100’s of dancers and millions of people.

She noted that although on some occasions she was called for similar football championship opportunities, they were not favourable.

“I never said this, but at some point I started feeling like my team was chasing them away but something told me to let them do their job. 7 years after, I’m performing at AFCON. It’s indeed an honour and a dream come true. It’s just the beginning! God bless my team,” she added.

I can't buttress the importance of prayer and speaking into existence your heart desires. Since 2016, I have desired to perform at the stadium for football ceremonies surrounded by 100's of dancers and millions of ...

— yemialade (@yemialadee) January 11, 2024

This news comes a month after the official AFCON 2023 theme song ‘Akwaaba’ was released. 

The song features Ivory Coast’s band Magic System, Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the AFCON tournament will begin on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The month-long event will end on Sunday, February 11.

Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau are expected to play in the opening match.