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

Published at :February 9, 2024 at 2:53 PM

Modified at :February 9, 2024 at 2:53 PM

The Super Eagles will face the tournament hosts in the final showdown

The Super Eagles have breezed through most of their opponents at this year’s AFCON, they encountered a resilient South Africa side in the semi-finals, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout. Kelechi Iheanacho’s winning spot-kick has brought Nigeria closer to a fourth continental crown, their first since 2013. Meanwhile, the 1992 and 2015 champions, Ivory Coast, have undergone a remarkable journey in recent weeks.

The tournament hosts dismissed their manager Jean-Louis Gasset following a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea that initially seemed to end their campaign in the group stage. However, they managed to advance as the best third-place team, subsequently eliminating defending champions Senegal and then Mali. Sebastien Haller secured the sole goal of the match as Ivory Coast narrowly defeated DR Congo in the second semi-final on Wednesday night.

Kick-Off:

Monday; 12 February 2024, 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST)

Location: Alassane Ouattara Stadium

Form

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

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

Players to watch

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Ademola Lookman, the dynamic winger from Atalanta, with stellar performance has complemented his rapid pace and knack for unsettling defenses, Lookman eagerly embraces the chance to display his skills on the international platform. There is considerable anticipation for Lookman to maintain his exceptional form in the AFCON final. He has 4 goal contributions for Nigeria this campaign.

Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)

Throughout the campaign, Ivory Coast’s midfielder, Frank Kessie, has served as a key source of inspiration, leading the team with distinction. His pivotal role in their resurgence is clearly visible as he assumes command on the field, dictating the play and spearheading the team’s forward momentum. In the upcoming clash against Nigeria, Kessie is poised to play a vital role in dismantling their well-organized defenses, paving the way for the attacking players to make advancements.

Match Facts

The last time they faced each other in this year’s AFCON, Nigeria defeated them 1-0.
Ivory Coast have won seven of their last 11 games, losing two and drawing two.
Nigeria are coming off from a win against South Africa in the semi-final.

Injury and Team News

Victor Osimhen received medical clearance to captain Nigeria against South Africa, overcoming initial abdominal discomfort that had temporarily delayed his travel with the squad. Ola Aina, Moses Simon, and Calvin Bassey were each one booking away from potential suspension for the final, but none of them received a caution in the match against South Africa.

Regarding Ivory Coast, Haller has regained full fitness and form, alongside Brighton’s Simon Adingra. Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou, and Oumar Diakite will make their return from suspension for the Elephants.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 28

Nigeria – 9

Ivory Coast – 9

Draws – 10

Predicted lineup for Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

Nigeria Predicted lineup

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

Ivory Coast predicted lineup

Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; S. Fofana, Sangare, Kessie; Kouame, Haller, Boga

Match prediction for Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

Nigeria faced challenges against South Africa, initially thinking they secured a 2-0 victory, only for a disallowed goal and an awarded penalty to force extra time. Despite the setback, they held their nerve to win on penalties, setting up an exciting final against Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast have been a team full of surprise this tournament. The upcoming final is expected to be tense, possibly decided by a single goal, reminiscent of their group-stage clash. However, extra time and penalties wouldn’t be surprising.

Prediction: Nigeria 1-0 Ivory Coast

Telecast for Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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