Nigeria vs Ivory Coast Prediction: The Invincible Super Eagles will lift the 2023 AFCON Trophy

After weeks of gruelling matches and intense contests between twenty-four teams, the AFCON Tournament is finally reaching its climax as Nigeria and Ivory Coast prepare to face off in a highly anticipated showdown for continental supremacy. Ivory Coast are probably using the same script as Portugal in Euro 2016, who ended the group stage in third place, qualified as the best losers for the knockout phase, and ultimately went on to win the competition. While it’s possible for the host nation to triumph in this tournament, they must be wary of the Super Eagles, who happened to be the only side yet to taste defeat in this competition.

FIFA Ranking: 42th

Last six games: DWWWWW

The Super Eagles once again proved their doubters wrong as they eliminated one of the strongest teams in this tournament. After a fierce contest between Nigeria and Bafana Bafana, the West African side drew the first blood when William Troost Ekong scored from the spot. It looked like a game over for South Africa when Osihmen doubled the lead in the 87th minute until the VAR disqualified the goal and awarded a penalty to South Africa for a professional foul before the goal. Teboho Mokoena gave his side hope when he scored from the spot-kick. However, the game was later decided on penalty as Nwabali bagged the man of the match after saving two penalties to fire his side to their eighth finals in the competition's history. 

Jose Peseiro's men will lock horns against a familiar opponent who they beat hands down in the group stage, but it won’t be business as usual. 

Nigeria's Likely Lineup: Nwabali; Aina, O. Samuel, Ekong, Sanusi; Alhassan Yusuf, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen

Key Player: Victor Osimhen

FIFA Ranking: 49th

Last six games: WLLWWW

Despite just three points from a combined nine in their group stage, Les Elephants went from being the underdog to being on the verge of lifting the AFCON trophy. Ivory Coast once again dumped one of the favorites to reach the final, restricting DR Congo to two shots at goal as Sebastian Haller scored the only goal that won his side the ticket to the final. 

The introduction of Emerse Fae as the interim coach has paid dividends, as the former U23 tactician has yet to taste defeat since his appointment. Ivory Coast are the first side to have hosted the AFCON competition and reached the finals. The question is, can they avenge their group-stage defeat against a solid Super Eagles team? 

Ivory Coast Likely Lineup: Y. Fofana; Singo, Boly, Ndicka, Konan; S. Fofana, Kessie, Seri; Gradel, Sebastian Haller, Adinga

Key Player: Sebastian Haller

Over their previous five meetings, Nigeria have won three while Ivory Coast have recorded two victories. Ivory Coast have been the greatest surprise in this tournament after their epileptic performances in the group stage. They have gone to eliminate the defending champions, Senegal, a well-organized Mali, and a solid DR Congo side. Indeed, they can’t be taken for granted after these storms and challenges. On the opposing end, Nigerians have been the most clinical team in this tournament and remain the best defensive team. 

Throughout the last eleven AFCON finals, the scores (1-0) and (0-0) have been the most frequently observed results. Nigeria has proven to be the most reliable and persistent team till now, and their current setup gives them an edge over their opponents whom they previously defeated in the group stage. Based on my analysis, I am confident that the Super Eagles will emerge victorious and lift the trophy.

Ivory Coast have proven to be tough nuts to crack since making it to the knockout stage, and we think they’ll take the game to their West African rival. We think they might really give the Super Eagles a tough time; bet on BTTS for 2.28.

We have witnessed some truly shocking results in this competition, and it's been an absolutely thrilling show so far. This upcoming encounter is bound to leave fans at the edge of their seats. Victor Osihmen has fired a remarkable twenty-four shots in the competition and has successfully scored a goal. His contribution to the Nigerian team cannot be underestimated; I can see Osimhen getting a goal here for 3.20.

Finally, we have witnessed lots of shocking results in this competition, and it has been a great show so far, this final contest will leave fans on the edge of their seats. 

Good luck!