Ivory Coast vs Nigeria Preview & Prediction | 2023 Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Ivory Coast vs Nigeria on and what time does it start? Ivory Coast vs Nigeria will take place on Tuesday 16th January, 2024 – 17:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Ivory Coast vs Nigeria? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Ivory Coast vs Nigeria on in the UK? Ivory Coast vs Nigeria will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Ivory Coast vs Nigeria in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Ivory Coast vs Nigeria live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
IVORY COAST
As hosts, Ivory Coast begin this Africa Cup of Nations as one of the major favourites for the title. Les Elephants have won the competition on two occasions and they have reached the semi-finals of the tournament 11 times. However, since triumphing in 2015, they have been knocked out in the group stages, quarter-finals and then the Round of 16.
Now, under the management of former Saint-Etienne and Girondins de Bordeaux boss Jean-Louis Gasset, have an impressive and emerging squad once more. They began the competition with an impressive and comfortable 2-0 defeat of Guinea-Bissau on Saturday with goals from Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso.
NIGERIA
After failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it has been a really poor couple of years for what is supposedly a golden generation of Nigeria – especially in attack. Even with injury absences such as Umar Sadiq, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface, The Super Eagles began the tournament with a continuation of underwhelming underperformance.
Jose Peseiro’s reign in charge has been a bizarre one both on and off the field but on it they have been really poor. Their frustrating 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday afternoon means that they have won just one of their last six matches and that required a turnaround against ten-man Mozambique in a friendly in October.
THE TEAM NEWS
IVORY COAST
Wilfried Singo was substituted at half-time of Ivory Coast’s opener the other day with a suspected minor injury issue so Serge Aurier is expected to replace him from the start. Other than that, the Ivorians are expected to remain unchanged for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Fofana; Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Fofana; Boga, Krasso, Bamba
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Singo (Injured)
NIGERIA
There have been several selection issues for Jose Peseiro with Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq all having to withdraw prior to the tournament. Finding the right balance will be a key issue for Nigeria with an abundance of attacking talent not fulfilling their potential just yet.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Onyeka; Simon, Aribo, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Thursday afternoon and evening features two key matches between some giants of the African game and this one falls into that category. The Ivory Coast will hope to secure qualification for the knockout stages already with a victory in this one against underperforming opposition. However, despite their poor performances, with the quality that Nigeria have in attack, it would be naïve to rule them out of any encounter. This has potential to be a really intriguing and entertaining encounter.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
