Ivory Coast vs Nigeria AFCON tips and predictions: Cat among the pigeons in game of fine margins
- George Dempsey
- 17 January 2024
African Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast will face a Nigeria side desperate to pick up their first win of the competition on Thursday afternoon (1700 GMT).
Matchday two of the African Cup of Nations kicks off on Thursday afternoon with the first clash of African powerhouses as hosts Ivory Coast face Nigeria.
The Elephants made light work of Guinea-Bissau with a 2-0 win in the opening game, with goals from Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso.
Things didn’t go quite so swimmingly for Nigeria as Equatorial Guinea held them to a 1-1 draw. Victor Osimhen struck just two minutes after the Super Eagles fell behind.
If history tells us anything, this could be a game of fine margins. There have been under 1.5 goals in all of their meetings in the group stage of the AFCON.
Nigeria’s Championship vibes defence of William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi stood firm, limiting their opponents to one shot on target, but the attack was wasteful.
The Ivorians looked less solid as Guinea-Bissau created some reasonable chances, but Ibrahim Sangare helped the hosts, who barely got out of first gear, dominate the ball.
Should there be a winner when Equatorial Guinea face Guinea-Bissau in the early game on Thursday, Nigeria’s draw leaves Jose Peseiro’s side up against it.
They’ll arguably be the more motivated side to pick up three points, but history is against them. The host nation has lost just one of 30 group-stage matches.
This game is likely to be settled by the odd goal and the visitor's desperation could see them pinch it, while the hosts would settle for a draw to help secure the top spot.
Team news
Ivory Coast could opt to field an unchanged XI for their second group game, meaning Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Seko Fofana continue in midfield.
Philippe-Krasso’s goal should see him retain his place up top but Nicolas Pepe will be pushing for a start ahead of Jeremie Boga or Jonathan Bamba.
Wilfried Singo was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Serge Aurier, who is likely to start on Thursday.
Ex-Rangers duo Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo made appearances from the bench on matchday one, as did Samuel Chukwueze who could start.
Osimhen is a shoo-in to start as long as he’s fit and could be flanked by the explosive duo of Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman.
