Nigeria vs Ivory Coast
African Nations Cup, KO: 20:00 Feb 11, 2024, Stade Olimpique Allasane Ouattara
It is a battle of former champions as hosts Ivory Coast square off against Nigeria in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. A closely fought encounter is expected here, although with the Super Eagles already beating the Ivorians in the group stage, they will be confident of claiming the upper hand on Sunday.
Nigeria needed extra-time and penalties before seeing off South Africa in their semi-final fixture. William Troost-Ekong’s second half penalty was cancelled out by the South Africans before the Super Eagles claimed the upper hand in the shootout.
Although they were given a stern test by South Africa, the result means Nigeria are yet to taste defeat in this competition. They have come through a difficult route, facing three former champions and will be feeling confident heading into Sunday’s clash.
At the centre of Nigeria’s fine AFCON campaign is a solid defence that has conceded only one open play goal in six matches. Manager Jose Peseiro continues to get his defensive structure right as the 2013 winners have kept clean sheets in four of their last five matches.
Ivory Coast secured a place in Sunday's clash with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the semi-final. They were made to work hard in a closely fought encounter with Sebastien Haller’s second half effort proving the difference.
It is a testament to Ivory Coast’s power of recovery that they have progressed all the way to the final after losing their final two group stage fixtures. Credit must go to interim manager Emerse Fae for taking the Elephants to within one win of their third AFCON title having only taken charge after the group stage.
Ivory Coast have continued to improve in the competition and Wednesday’s clash was arguably their best performance so far. It was only their second regulation time victory in the tournament having needed extra-time and penalties to come through the previous two rounds.
How the bookies view it
The bookies appear to be expecting a closely fought encounter with a win for Nigeria priced at 19/10 by Unibet while an Ivory Coast victory is valued at 2/1 by bet365. 10bet is offering odds of 21/10 for a draw.
Head to head
Ivory Coast have a 4-3 advantage from seven previous matches against Nigeria. However, the Super Eagles claimed a 1-0 victory during the group stage of this year’s AFCON.
Players to watch
Nigeria have been driven by their defensive solidity and have had shutouts in four of their last five matches. William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi have formed a watertight unit at centre-back and can lead the Super Eagles to a clean sheet at 6/4 with BoyleSports.
Ivory Coast had a clean sheet in the semi-final, their first since the opening day and will be targeting a similar performance on Sunday. Wily Boly and Evan Ndicka are expected to continue their central defensive partnership and could lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 7/4 with Coral.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both teams targeting a clean sheet on Sunday, BTTS NO could be considered at 13/20 by Unibet. Nigeria have earned a win to nil in four of their last five matches and a repeat is priced at 3/1 with Unibet.
Both teams were level at the break in their respective semi-final fixtures, so a halftime draw could be on the cards at 10/11 with William Hill.
This African Nations Cup match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast will be played on Feb 11, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nigeria vs Ivory Coast prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
