By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Sekondi

Kalou celebrates his goal against Nigeria

Salomon Kalou believes the Ivory Coast team can help bring peace to the war-torn African state if the Elephants win the Africa Cup of Nations.

The West African nation has been divided politically since a failed coup d'etat in 2002 against President Laurent Gbagbo.

Despite numerous peace deals the main players in the conflict have struggled to find a lasting political solution.

"If we can bring the cup home it'll bring more peace," said Kalou.

"Because with war nothing can work," added the Chelsea striker. "Ivory Coast is a good country that does not deserve to be in a war for so long.

"We the players try to bring our best on the field to bring more happiness to the country."

The 22-year-old Kalou, who is making his first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, scored the only goal as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria on Monday to take a firm grip on Group B.

Last year Kalou made his Ivory Coast debut, having previously rejected a number of call-ups to the national team.

Kalou had attempted to play for his country of adoption, Holland, but his fast-track naturalization demand was rejected by the Dutch authorities.