As the second round of games at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begin, Voice of Nigeria takes a look a Thursday’s mammoth Group A clash between Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé.
The history between these two football powerhouses adds an extra layer of anticipation. Nigeria’s 2-1 victory against Cote d’Ivoire in the 2013 AFCON quarter-finals remains a memorable encounter. However, Cote d’Ivoire, unbeaten in 37 of its last 38 group-stage games, presents a formidable challenge.
Nigeria will be seeking its first victory at the 2023 AFCON when they meet hosts Cote d’Ivoire. The three-time African champions will be seeking redemption after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.
The Super Eagles must avoid a defeat and possibly beat hosts Cote d’Ivoire to have any glimmer of hope in making it to the knockout stages of the AFCON.
- Read more: Equatorial Guinea Holds Nigeria In AFCON Group A Encounter
- Read more: Super Eagles Remain Optimistic Of Victory Against Cote d’Ivoire
Star striker Victor Osimhen equalised for the Super Eagles just 99 seconds after Iban Salvador had given Equatorial Guinea the lead. But despite Nigeria’s dominance in the encounter, José Peseiro’s men were unable to find a winner.
Osimhen had six shots, but finished the game with just a single goal to show for his efforts.
The last time a Nigerian player had more shots in a single group stage game in the competition was Peter Odemwingie (seven) against Mozambique in January 2010.
Nigeria were disappointing against Equatorial Guinea, but will need to improve their performance to secure a positive result against a resilient Cote d’Ivoire side.
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire
While the Super Eagles wobbled to a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire claimed an impressive 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in the tournament’s opening game.
The dynamic duo of Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso, who both found the net in the opening game, will be key players in Les Elephants’ quest for another victory.
The victory showcased Cote d’Ivoire’s prowess and ability to capitalise on their opponents’ errors. Fofana’s opener and Krasso’s composed volley highlighted the team’s offensive flair, setting a promising tone for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s side are looking to win their first two games of an AFCON since 2013 as Cote d’Ivoire aims to secure a spot in the knockout stages with a victory against Nigeria.
The Elephants impressive run, marked by seven consecutive undefeated games, has elevated expectations among fans. The host nation aims to replicate its 2013 success by clinching successive wins in the group stage.
Team News
Nigeria were hit by a number of injuries before the tournament, losing key players including Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface and Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Kelechi Iheanacho was an injury doubt heading into the tournament, but the forward has insisted he is fully fit and ready to feature.
Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf was stretchered off against Equatorial Guinea and is a doubt for this match as a result. Joe Aribo is the most likely option to come into the side should he be ruled out, while Samuel Chukwueze is also pushing to be named in the starting lineup after he was named on the bench in the Super Eagles’ first match.
Cote d’Ivoire were without Sebastien Haller against Guinea-Bissau, with the Borussia Dortmund striker still struggling with an ankle injury.
Brighton’s Simon Adingra also sat out that opening contest with a muscle issue and it remains to be seen if either attacker will be ready to face the Super Eagles on Thursday.
Head-To-Head
This will be Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria’s seventh meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations. As things stand, they can’t be separated. Of their six games so far, they have won two each and drawn two, scoring five goals each.
Their last AFCON meeting was in 2013, where Nigeria won 2-1 in the quarter-finals and went on to lift the prestigious trophy.
The three previous meetings between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in the group stage of the tournament have produced only two goals (0-0 in 1980, 1-0 to Nigeria in 1990, 1-0 to Ivory Coast in 2008).
Date, kick-off time and venue
M A T C H D A Y!
⚽️ Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 🆚 Nigeria 🇳🇬
🗓 Thursday, 18 January 2024
⏱ 6pm 🇳🇬(WAT)
🏟 Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, Abidjan
🧿 Afcon MD2
📱 #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #Afcon2023 #CIVNGA pic.twitter.com/wya9kHokIi
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 18, 2024
The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire is scheduled to hold on Thursday, January 18th by 6pm (WAT).
The match will take place at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
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