The Super Eagles of Nigeria will again face the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but this time around in the final of the biggest football event on the continent.
Both sides have had an interesting run into the final of the competition and will be ready to leave it all out on the pitch as they seek to increase the AFCON titles in their trophy cabinet.
When both sides faced off in the group stage, Nigeria, via a spot kick converted by captain William Troost-Ekong. pipped the Cote D’Ivoire team 1-0 as they went on to secure a second-placed finish while Cote D’Ivoire made it out as one of the four best-third placed teams.
Nigeria have faced stronger sides coming into the final, and look a better team on paper to clinch the AFCON trophy, but Cote D’Ivoire themselves are no minnows especially with their renewed energy and optimism after finding themselves in the second round by a stroke of luck and now driven by the ambition to make it count in front of millions of their home fans.
For the Elephants, this is a revenge mission that comes with a better prize: the AFCON trophy, while for Nigeria: nothing will be more epic than winning the AFCON by defeating the hosts and neighbours: Cote D’Ivoire right on their own soil.
Nigeria vs Cote D’Ivoire – Team News
After initially being unable to travel with the team due to stomach problems, Victor Osimhen was declared fit to lead Nigeria against South Africa.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Ola Aina were all one booking away from missing the final match, but none of them received a caution against South Africa.
Regarding Cote D’Ivoire, Simon Adingra of Brighton and Haller are both back in shape and playing well.
In the interim, Oumar Diakite, Odilon Kossounou, and Serge Aurier will return from suspension for the Elephants in the final game.
Fae will have to make a crucial choice in the final third, where Haller, the team’s lucky charm, will face competition from former Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe and Max Gradel.
Head to head: Nigeria vs Cote D’Ivoire
Nigeria had previously lost four of their previous six meetings against Ivory Coast.
Nigeria wins: 9
Draws: 10
Ivory Coast wins: 9
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast is scheduled for a 9pm Nigerian time kick-off, today, Sunday, February 11, 2024. (VanguardNews)
AFCON Final: Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoire – Preview, Team News, Kick-off Time
