In a thrilling kickoff to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosts Ivory Coast secured a dream start with a 2-0 victory over Guinea Bissau, steering clear of the ignominy of being the first host nation to lose their opener in this century.
The win has fueled the hopes of Ivorian fans who dare to dream of lifting the trophy, a feat last achieved by a host nation in 2006 by Egypt. However, standing in their way in the next clash is a formidable opponent, Nigeria.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s Ivory Coast enters the upcoming encounter with high spirits and solid form, having lost just one of their last 11 matches, with seven wins and three draws in that period.
The Elephants have showcased their prowess with multi-goal victories in their last four wins, coupled with three clean sheets, creating a daunting challenge for their opponents.
Nigeria, on the other hand, faced an unexpected setback in their opening game with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, saved only by a Victor Osimhen header.
The three-time AFCON winners now find themselves in a precarious position, knowing that anything less than a victory against Ivory Coast risks elimination at the group stages, a fate they haven’t suffered since 1982.
The historical head-to-head record between these two African powerhouses reveals a closely contested rivalry, with Nigeria holding a slight edge (W8, D10, L9).
The last six AFCON meetings have been tightly contested affairs, with none settled by a margin greater than a single goal, setting the stage for another potentially tense encounter.
Ivory Coast’s captain, Franck Kessie, and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman emerge as players to watch, both contributing significantly in their respective opening games.
Kessie extended his goal-contributing streak to three, while Lookman maintained his impressive form with an assist, averaging one goal contribution per match in his last five appearances.
As the anticipation builds for this crucial clash, Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and the unpredictable nature of African football.
The outcome of this encounter will shape the trajectory of both teams in the AFCON 2023, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry on the continental stage.
