Our prediction for this Africa Cup of Nations 2024 match:
Ivory Coast
Match Time & Date:
18/01/2024
12:00 PM
Prediction: 1-1
Nigeria
Expect an electrifying atmosphere at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara as Ivory Coast and Nigeria go head to head in the Group A derby. The Elephants faced no difficulties in a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against the Super Eagles. Both Sebastian Haller and Simon Adingra should miss out with injuries, while experienced wing-back Serge Aurier is pushing for a recall to the starting XI.
The Nigerians, on the other hand, failed to turn their dominance into victory in a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, but with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen already finding his goal-scoring touch, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on both teams to score. Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo is likely to return to the starting XI as Alhassan Yusuf limped off with injury in the Group A opener. Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out with injury as well.
Highlighted Player (Alex Iwobi):
Alex Iwobi is one of the most talented African footballers. The Nigerian football player was born in Lagos on May 3, 1996, but he moved to Arsenal at the age of 8. In 2015 he made his first-team debut for the Gunners, starting in a 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.
Speaking of his Premier League debut, Alex Iwobi played his first game for Arsenal in a 3-0 victory over Swansea City in October, 2015. The pacey winger played for England at youth level, but he eventually went on to play for Nigeria. Iwobi made his senior debut with the Super Eagles on October 8, 2015, coming as a substitute for Ahmed Musa in a 2-0 loss to DR Congo.
On October 7, 2017 the Arsenal footballer scored the winner for Nigeria against Zambia (1-0) which helped the Super Eagles book their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Speaking of his individual trophies, Alex Iwobi was named CAF Young Player of the Year 2016.
Highlighted Team (Ivory Coast):
Over the years Ivory Coast have established themselves as one of the best African teams. The Elephants won their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2015, with the team beating Ghana in the final of the tournament. Ivory Coast defeated the Black Stars on penalties and it has to be noted that goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the winner.
A number of high-profile footballers played (or play) for the Ivory Coast national team, but, no doubt, the most notable players are Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Salomon Kalou and Gervinho. Ivory Coast are well known for their orange kit, but they play their away games in green shirts and green shorts. Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny is regarded as the team’s home stadium.
Didier Zokora is the player with the most caps for the Ivory Coast national team (123), while aforementioned attacker Didier Drogba is the team’s top scorer (65 goals). Drogba is the symbol of the Ivory Coast football and the former Chelsea man played for the national team from 2002 to 2014.
