Ivory Coast will meet Nigeria on matchday No. 2 of Africa Cup of Nations Group A. The Elephants are top of Group A after one match thanks to taking all three points against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria, on the other hand, had to come from behind to avoid defeat to Equatorial Guinea. Despite the riches in talent possessed by Nigeria, the team could pick up all three points.
Gym time! #SoarSuperEagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/94njFGvACn— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 17, 2024
Gym time! #SoarSuperEagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/94njFGvACn
It may be harsh to call Thursday’s game a must-win for Nigeria. Obviously, the four best third-place teams can qualify for the next round.
However, Nigeria may not be one of the best third-place teams, if they fail to pick up points against Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles will desperately want to win against Ivory Coast, but a draw against the group leaders may be enough.
Of course, this would mean Nigeria must win their final match against Guinea-Bissau to have any hope of going through.
Ivory Coast had no problem dispatching Guinea-Bissau in their opening match, 2-0. Seko Fofana opened the scoring after four minutes and Jean-Philippe Krasso added a second goal just after halftime.
Nigeria conceded a goal to Equatorial Guinea in the 36th minute. However, Victor Osimhen levelled the score just two minutes later. Neither team could find a winner.
Equatorial Guinea’s lone goal came with their only shot on target. Nigeria only kept 51% possession in the match. Osimhen should start as the lone striker once more versus Ivory Coast.
Coach Jose Peseiro may change the midfield, however, against the group’s best team.
Ivory Coast are playing this tournament in front of their home fans. It could be the boost the Elephants need to win the tournament. Ivory Coast won the AFCON tournament just two times previously. Their last win was in 2015.
Since 2006, Ivory Coast and Nigeria have played just four times in all competitions. Ivory Coast won three of the four games. Nigeria’s lone victory during that time frame was 2013.
The Elephants went unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions. They play well at home and go into the match having not lost on home soil in their last 18 fixtures.
Ivory Coast manager Jean-Louis Gasset has no reason to change a winning side. Krasso should start in attack once more. Fofana and Franck Kessie should hold down the midfield.
Forebet predicts that Ivory Coast will record a victory in a low-scoring encounter.