CIV v Nigeria: Match preview, what to expect, confirmed team news, key players, kickoff time and venue

Nigeria will be seeking to record their first victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they square up against Ivory Coast in their second matchday of the tournament.
 

The three-time African champions head into the game under massive pressure as they need to avoid a defeat having drawn against Equatorial Guinea in the first match.

 

The Elephants on the other hand kick started the tournament as they would have wanted, beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 and a victory will put them in a good position to qualify for the round of 16.

Match preview 

 

The last time both teams met at AFCON was at the 2013 edition where Nigeria pipped Ivory Coast 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

 

However, the Elephants boast of the better overall head-to-head record winning 9, drawing 10, and losing eight of the games played between them.

 

They also head into the encounter as the team with the better form having not lost any of their last 5 games, winning their last four in the process.

 

In contrast, the Super Eagles have 1 win from their last five games and are winless in their last four.

 

With a better head-to-head and form, the host nation heads into the game as slight favorites and the overwhelming support they will get in the stadium further establishes their superiority for the game.

 

What to expect

 

This promises to be a well-contested encounter between two of the tournament's best teams.

 

With the quality of talents in both nations' midfield, the winner of the tie could be determined by who gains control of the middle of the park.

 

With former Barcelona midfielder, Franck Kessié Ibrahim Sangaré, and Seko Fofana, the Elephants have a combination of physicality, technicality, and guile in the midfield.

 

On the other hand, the Super Eagles midfield have flair, physicality, and tenacity in the middle of the park, with Frank Onyka, and Alex Iwobi most likely to start the game.

 

While the two West African sides also have enormous talents in attack, this should be a very close game with both sides trying to clip the wings of each other.

 

Confirmed team news

 

The game has come too soon for Royal Antwerp's Alhassan Yusuf who suffered an injury in the opener versus Equatorial Guinea,  Latecomers Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu should be available for selection. 

 

As for the Elephants, Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra have both returned to training after missing the game against Guinea-Bissau due to fitness issues. 

 

Key players

 

1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria):  The Napoli star got a goal in the first game but also missed two big chances that could have handed the Super Eagles the maximum points.

 

The 25-year-old will need to be at his clinical best in the game as he cannot afford to be profligate as chances could be few and far between.

 

2. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The Atalanta forward's performance was one of the positives for the Super Eagles in the first game and he will need to be at his best a game against a tougher opposition

 

3. Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast): The former Barcelona midfielder is one of the leaders and best players for the Elephants.Jean-Louis Gasset will be relying on him to help his side control the game.

 

4. Jean-Philippe Krasso: The Red Star Belgrade center-forward replaced the injured Sébastien Haller against Guinea-Bissau and found the back of the net, thereby scoring in back-to-back games for the first time in his international career.

 

The 26-year-old will be needed once again to threaten a fragile Nigerian defense line and be clinical.

Venue and Kickoff time

 

The encounter will be played at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé at 1800hours Nigerian time 

 

 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

 

 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com