AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast vs Nigeria: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :January 16, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Modified at :January 16, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Host nation Ivory Coast take on Nigeria in the group stages of AFCON 2023

Ivory Coast delighted their fans with a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau, highlighted by Seko Fofana’s stunning goal. The Ivorian squad looks formidable, and a win in the next game could secure their spot in the last 16.

Contrastingly, Nigeria faced pressure after a draw with Equatorial Guinea, where Victor Osimhen equalized following Ivan Salvador’s surprising lead. Despite Nigeria’s talented attacking unit, they last won the tournament in 2013, two years before Ivory Coast’s second triumph, adding to the stakes for the Super Eagles.

Kick-Off:

Thursday; 18 January 2024, 05:00 PM GMT (10:30 PM IST)

Location: Alassane Ouattara Stadium

Form

Ivory Coast (all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Nigeria (all competitions): W-D-D-L-D

Players to watch

Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast)

Recognized for his dynamic approach, Seko Fofana is distinguished by robust technical prowess, remarkable dribbling skills, and proficiency in midfield control. His versatility shines through as he actively contributes to both defensive efforts and attacking maneuvers. Having gained experience playing across Europe alongside top-tier players, Fofana emerges as a crucial asset for the host nation’s success in the current AFCON edition.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

At 25 years old, Victor Osimhen is set to shine as the focal point of the Nigerian squad. With an impressive record of 7 goals and 2 assists in 13 Serie A games this season, Osimhen’s equalizer earned Nigeria a point in their AFCON opener. His style is a well-rounded combination of athleticism, skill, and goal-scoring proficiency.

Match facts

Ivory Coast are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Nigeria, on the other hand, are winless in their last five (D4, L1).
Ivory Coast are on an eight-game AFCON unbeaten run in regulation time (five wins).

Injury and Team News

Ivory Coast features Premier League familiar names like Sangare, Boly, Aurier, and Pepe. Rising stars include Ndicka and Fofana, with Kessie’s midfield quality. However, injuries sideline Adingra and Haller early in the tournament.

Nigeria’s squad also includes Premier League names like Iwobi, Onyeka, Bassey, and Aina. Osimhen leads the attack, supported by Lookman, Aribo, Musa, Iheanacho, and Onuachu. Chukwueze adds width, and despite Sadiq’s thigh injury, Nigeria aims for a balanced and impactful tournament with their attacking options.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 27

Ivory Coast: 9

Nigeria: 8

Draws: 10

Predicted lineup for Ivory Coast vs Nigeria

Ivory Coast predicted lineup

Ivory Coast predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Fofana; Konan, Ndicka, Diomande, Singo; Sangare, Kessie, Seko Fofana; Bamba, Boga, Krasso

Nigeria predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Nwabili; Sanusi, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Aina; Onyeka; Lookman, Iwobi, Yusuf, Simon; Osimhen

Match prediction for Ivory Coast vs Nigeria

Ivory Coast, buoyed by their strong start against Guinea-Bissau and the impressive form of players like Seko Fofana, enters the match with confidence. Their dynamic style and balanced squad could pose challenges for the Nigerian defense. On the other hand, Nigeria, led by the prolific Victor Osimhen and supported by a talented attacking unit, will be eager to bounce back from their draw against Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles possess the firepower to trouble any defense and will look to capitalize on Ivory Coast’s potential vulnerabilities.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-0 Nigeria

Telecast for Ivory Coast vs Nigeria

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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