'They have the best African player' - Ivory Coast coach says he knows the strengths of Super Eagles 

Ivory Coast national team coach Jean-Louis Gasset has admitted that he knows the Super Eagles' strengths ahead of his team's second Group A match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Elephants earned a vital win against Guinea-Bissau on the opening night of the Africa Cup of Nations with the inspirational Seko Fofana firing them into an early lead in the fourth minute before Jean-Philippe Krasso with a wonderful piece of individual skill put Ivory Coast in control after 57 minutes. 

The Super Eagles face Equatorial Guinea this afternoon and would usurp Ivory Coast in the Group A standings if they win by more than two goals. 

Nigeria are in one of the easiest group at the AFCON but have grappled with injuries ahead of their opening game with Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar pulling out of the squad and overcoming these challenges will solidify their status as serious challengers for the title. 

Jean-Louis Gasset is aware that the Elephants face a difficult assignment on Thursday when they take on the Super Eagles who have in their ranks reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the win against Guinea-Bissau, he said: "Regarding our second match, we know the strengths of Nigeria, they have an impressive offensive armada, they have the best African player in their squad.

"But against them, we will have to raise our cursor. And I know my players will do it because I know you had to win that first game to be released."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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