Ivory Coast vs Nigeria Prediction: Both sides will get a goal apiece here

The Elephants will surge forward in their quest to conquer the continent when they face off against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday. Just once has any host nation lost in the group stages of the AFCON Cup in the last thirty-eight games. Adding to their confidence is the promising form displayed by Ivory Coast in their opening game. All these factors have set the stage for an exciting encounter, with Ivory Coast expected to emerge triumphant.

FIFA Ranking: 49th

Les ElephantS began their journey with a comfortable victory over Guinea Bissau. Ivory Coast started the game on high, with Seko Fofana finding the back of the net with just four minutes of play. The second half began with the same pressure from the hosts as they doubled the lead in the 58th minute when Jean Phillippe Krasso scored. Two goals and a clean sheet were enough for Ivory Coast to assume the top of the log, as they were the only side that won their game in Group A. 

Ivory Coast aims to triumph for the third time in this competition after being knocked out in the round of 16 two years ago. The Ivorians had a decent run in the qualifying round, picking up thirteen points from a combined eighteen. Ivory Coast will be looking to make a statement and stamp their authority against their opponent tomorrow. The Ivorians have a wealth of experience and quality in their squad, and we expect them to dominate this encounter.

Possible Starting Eleven (4-3-3): Y. Fofana – Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan – S. Fofana, Kessie, Sangare- Boga, Krasso, Bamba

Key Player: Ibrahim Sangare

FIFA Ranking: 42th

Just like football lovers predicted, Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a share of the spoils against Equatorial Guinea. Even though the result doesn’t tell what transpired in the one-sided encounter, Nigeria were below par once again. Nigeria created seven big chances and managed to score just once. The (1-1) share of the spoils was Super Eagles four games without a victory. 

Despite their recent woes, Jose Peseiro's men still remain a force to be reckoned with, and we expect them to up their game here. 

Nigeria's possible starting lineup: Uzoho; Aina, O. Samuel, Ekong, Sanusi; Alhassan Yusuf, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen

Key Player: Victor Osimhen

It's worth noting that both teams have an equal record of two wins, two draws, and two losses in their previous six meetings. Ivory Coast displayed a direct approach against Guinea Bissau, earning a solid victory with a two-goal lead. At the same time, Nigeria created several scoring opportunities in their last game against Equatorial Guinea and managed to get just a goal to settle for a share of the spoils. It seems like an easy win for the host nation on paper, but Nigeria won’t be a walkover. Les Elephants have been effective in front of goals in their previous four games and are expected to get goals here. On the opposing end, Nigeria boasts one of the best attacks in the tournament. Given the level of quality on the pitch, we expect both sides to get a goal apiece for 2.25.

This game will end in a halftime draw for 1.82.

Ivory Coast will surely be the stronger side, and we expect them to get a win in either half for 1.75.

Good luck!