Nigeria will be facing Ivory Coast in a crucial match in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, and the stakes are high for both teams. After a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their first group match, Nigeria’s coach, Jose Paseiro, expressed hope for a better outcome in the upcoming game. The Super Eagles have faced a dry spell, failing to secure a win in their last three competitive matches, and they are eager to turn the tide against Ivory Coast.

Hosts Ivory Coast, on the other hand, secured a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in their opening match, placing them at the top of the group with three points. With both teams eyeing a spot in the knockout rounds, the upcoming match holds immense significance.

Team News

Ivory Coast may continue to be without Simon Adingra and Sebastian Haller due to injuries, while Nigeria will welcome the addition of OGC Nice striker Tarem Moffi, who received a late call-up as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface. However, concerns loom over the fitness of Alhassan Yusuf and Kelechi Iheanacho, both of whom have been pivotal players for the Nigerian squad.

Head to Head

This will be the seventh encounter between Nigeria and Ivory Coast in the Afcon. With both teams having won two games each and drawing the other two in their previous six meetings, the upcoming match promises to be a closely contested battle. Notably, in their three previous group stage encounters, neither side has scored more than one goal.