2023 AFCON: Three Ivory Coast stars that could give Super Eagles a bit of headache on Thursday 

A mouthwatering Africa Cup of Nations second round of group games sees rivals Nigeria and Ivory Coast collide on Thursday in Group A.

While Nigeria boasts attacking talents capable of breaching any defense, Ivory Coast's blend of flair and steel cannot be overlooked.

Central to the Elephants title ambitions are the talents of Jeremie Boga, Seko Fofana and Karim Konate. The skill, combativeness and goal threat these three key players possess could individually or collectively undo Nigeria's dreams.

Together, they ensure complacency cannot creep into facing any Ivory Coast talent pool. If Nigeria takes its eyes off any member of this terrific trio, AFCON dreams could swiftly collapse.

1. Jeremie Boga

Flying winger Jeremie Boga carries tricks, pace and unpredictability capable of unlocking any rearguard. Direct when running at defenders yet also clever exchanging short passes around the box, Boga constantly keeps fullbacks guessing.

Now established in Ligue 1, the maturity Boga displays choosing moments to dribble or look for combinations sets him apart from most wingers. Operating from the flanks, Boga relishes isolating and tormenting opposition full backs. 

If afforded room to turn and gather steam on the counter, Boga possesses the game-breaking talent to single-handedly shred defenses. Successfully shackling the former Atalanta man shapes as Nigeria's first directive.  

2. Seko Fofana

While Boga operates on the fringes slicing defenses, Seko Mohamed Fofana typifies an all-action midfield dynamo.

Since leaving Europe for the Middle East, Fofana established himself as an explosive carrier blessed with supreme finesse in scoring screamers via jaw-breaking power-shots and close control from box-to box midfield berths.

Fofana supplements innate power and pace on the ball with intelligent movement and clinical finishing when firing forward.

His first half screamer against Guinea Bissau in Ivory Coast's Group A curtain raiser, underlines the havoc he causes arriving from deep. 

For Nigeria's midfielders likely detailed with tracking attackers, Fofana's capacity to breeze past them then supply Boga and Co. presents a scary proposition. Cutting off lines into rampaging Fofana looks vital. 

3. Karim Konate

19-year-old RB Salzburg marksman Karim Konate enters his maiden AFCON as a wonderkid and a projection for the future of Ivory Coast's new era.

Temporarily stepping into the big shoes momentarily vacated by Sebastian Haller due to an ankle problem alongside Jean-Phillipe Krasso, Konate carries a clinical eye for goal despite being just a teenager. 

Quick reactions inside the area see Konate pounce on loose balls in a flash before dispatching ruthlessly.

Meanwhile clever back post runs leave Konate sneakily unmarked to apply headed finishes he can delicately place either side of keepers.

With service sure to come from Boga and Fofana, Konate shapes as the prime beneficiary to apply killer blows for Ivory Coast.

Keeping tabs on his phantom movement presents a constant headache for the Super Eagles' defense.  

Ejim Kaycee

Photo Credit: Fédération Ivoirienne de Football

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