AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Will Break Away if They Ground the Super Eagles

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria

AFCON hosts Ivory Coast are off to a flying start after taking care of business last time out, and they can essentially confirm their passage to the Round of 16 of this tournament, depending on this weekend’s AFCON 2023 results.

In big competitions like this, two wins in the group stage will guarantee your spot in the next round, and that’s what Les Elephants are aiming for when they host Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday.

While it’s all smiles in Ivory Coast, the same can’t be said for Nigeria after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in the opener.

Needless to say, Jose Peseiro’s men are under enormous pressure to make a quick turnaround because they are considered by many to be one of the top contenders in this tournament.

Talking Points

Fofana sets the tone for Ivory Coast

Seko Fofana was easily the Man of the Match for Ivory Coast during their 2-0 opening win against Guinea-Bissau on Sunday.

The Al-Nassr midfielder scored the first goal in just four minutes to put his team up for good by finishing past multiple defenders after he took advantage of a horrible pass from Jefferson Encada just outside the Guinea-Bissau box.

If it weren’t for Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco’s intervention late in the first half, Fofana would’ve had a brace.

Other than being a goal threat throughout the 90 minutes, Fofana was also always reliable on the ball, playing a huge role in why Ivory Coast controlled 62-per cent possession.

We’d be remiss not to give Jean-Philippe Krasso a shoutout since he sealed the deal for Les Elephants when Opa Sangante failed to clear the ball from inside their own box during the second half.

Other than Fofana and Krasso, Ivory Coast have other threats up front, such as Jeremie Boga, Nicolas Pepe, Simon Adingra, Jonathan Bamba, and Sebastien Haller.

Haller was not in the squad against Guinea-Bissau because of an ankle injury, but if he’s available against Nigeria, that would give Ivory Coast a huge boost.

They are also well-covered at the back (as shown against Guinea-Bissau) with the likes of Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly, Evan Ndicka, and team captain Serge Aurier.

Nigeria need Super Osimhen to don his cape

Nigeria were supposed to whip Equatorial Guinea. But instead, all they got was a solitary point, which feels like a loss for them, to be honest.

Equatorial Guinea actually managed to take the lead in the 36^th minute when Ivan Salvador scored their only shot on target, although Nigeria replied right away with Victor Osimhen’s equaliser.

The Super Eagles had more control in the second half, but they wasted their other scoring chances.

Perhaps the only positive for Nigeria in this contest is the fact that Victor Osimhen looks primed to take over for the Super Eagles in this tournament, just like what he has been doing at Napoli in Serie A.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year is determined to write his own legacy with the national team by trying to take Nigeria to their fourth AFCON title.

History

Believe it or not, Ivory Coast and Nigeria haven’t faced off since their international friendly back in January 2015, when the former came away 2-1 winners. As of this writing, Les Elephants hold a two-game winning streak over the Super Eagles across all competitions.

Nigeria, despite failing to qualify in 2015 and 2017, are the fourth-winningest nation in AFCON history, with three golds (1980, 1994, and 2013) and four silvers (1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000).

On the other hand, Ivory Coast are right behind the Super Eagles with two goals (1992 and 2015) and two silvers (2006 and 2012), and they have qualified for the tournament 10 consecutive times.

Betting Tip 

The SBOTOP AFCON 2023 odds predict another close contest between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Because they’re coming off a victory, Ivory Coast are 2.06 favourites, whereas Nigeria aren’t far behind at 3.41, and a draw is at 2.75 odds in the 1X2 market.

This game is a tough call, but for sure, we’re banking on Nigeria to go full force with their tournament hopes on the line, although we won’t be surprised if this ends up being another draw for them.

If you agree with the last part of that sentence, then check out Correct Scores of 0-0 and 1-1 since they are on offer at 6.00.

Meanwhile, Under 1.75 at 2.04 and Total Goal 0-1 at 2.28 sound like viable alternatives too.

 

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