Ivory Coast and Nigeria are set to face off in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations group stage match.
The hosts, Ivory Coast, displayed their prowess with a confident 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in their opening game in Abidjan.
Seko Fofana's early goal and Jean-Philippe Krasso's second-half effort secured the win, dispelling any pre-AFCON nerves.
On the other hand, Nigeria faced a setback in their Group A opener, managing only a frustrating 1-1 draw against giant-killers Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles, dealing with injuries to key players like Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi before the tournament, needed a quick-fire equalizer from star striker Victor Osimhen to salvage a point.
Kick Off Time & Venue;[/b]
The upcoming match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria is scheduled for a 5pm GMT kick-off on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, in Abidjan.
Team News;
Team news reveals concerns for both sides. Ivory Coast missed the services of Sebastien Haller and Simon Adingra in their opener, with doubts lingering over their availability against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Nigeria coped with the absence of key players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Sadiq Umar, the latter causing confusion by returning to training with Real Sociedad despite being ruled out of AFCON.
Injury concerns have prompted changes in both teams' lineups. Alhassan Yusuf stepped in for Ndidi in Nigeria's opener, delivering a strong debut cut short by injury.
With late arrivals Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu on the bench, and Terem Moffi set to return, Nigeria aims to bolster its lineup for the crucial encounter.
Head to Head history;
The head-to-head history favors Ivory Coast slightly, having won the last two meetings between the nations in 2015 and the 2013 African Nations Championship.
Ivory Coast boasts 9 wins compared to Nigeria's 8, with 10 draws.
Potential XI
GK: Nwabili
DF: Ola Aina, Troost Ekong, Ajayi and Onyemaechi
MID: Frank Onyeka, Yusuf, Iwobi
FOR: Lookman, Osimhen, Simon.
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