Introduction
The host, Ivory Coast, will meet Nigeria for their second game in group A in what already looks like the game of the round. This will be the 7th encounter between both sides in the tournament after their last meeting in 2013.
A victory for Ivory Coast ensures their advancement to the next round, whereas a loss for the Super Eagles may lead to an early elimination.
About the game
Ivory Coast enter this match at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara after an impressive 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau. Seko Fofana and Jean-Phillipe Krasso scored for the host to ensure a comfortable win. The host nation aims to maintain its strong start to the tournament. Hosting nations has a joint record of losing once in their last 38 games (W23 D14).
Jean-Louis Gasset’s team seeks to achieve back-to-back wins in AFCON for the first time since 2013. Franck Kessié clinched his fourth assist against Guinea-Bissau. Since his AFCON debut in 2017, only Egypt’s Mohamed Salah shares this feat.
Conversely, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea, where Victor Osimhen equalized quickly after Iban Salvador’s lead. Despite recording an expected goals (xG) total of 3.52, José Peseiro’s squad couldn’t secure a victory. Star striker Osimhen had six shots in the game, mirroring Peter Odemwingie’s performance in the 2010 AFCON.
Nigeria could get inspiration from their last clash with the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in 2013. The Super Eagles won the game by 2-1 and eventually went on to lift their 3rd title of the competition. A key player missing for Nigeria is Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, who was ruled out. due to injury sustained few weeks to the tournament.
The Best Betting Odds for Ivory Coast vs Nigeria
| Markets | Odds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast win |
2.12 
|
2.12 
|
2.16 
|
2.115 
|
2.112 
|
|
| Draw |
2.95
|
3.00
|
3.10
|
3.82
|
2.94
|
|
| Nigeria win |
4.00
|
4.10
|
3.90
|
4.16
|
4.18
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.55
|
1.57
|
1.60
|
1.57
|
1.57
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.55
|
1.57
|
1.60
|
1.57
|
1.57
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.55
|
1.57
|
1.60
|
1.57
|
1.57
|
|
Conclusion
Ivory Coast aims to extend their positive momentum, while Nigeria seeks a decisive win to overcome their opening match’s setback. The clash promises an exciting encounter between two formidable teams in the AFCON 2023 group stage.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.