Ivory Coast take on Nigeria in a most anticipated clash at the 3023 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The match will take place on 18 Jan 2024 at 17:00 UTC at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara stadium, Abidjan city, Ivory Coast.
The hosts made a strong start to their guest in AFCON at the weekend, beating Guinea-Bissau in the tournament opener, but Nigeria have plenty of work to do in Group A after they were held to a disappointing draw by Equatorial Guinea.
Though their star striker, Sebastien Haller, still missing.
Ivory Coast did not have Haller available last time out, with the Borussia Dortmund forward suffered an ankle injury, and a late decision is likely to be made on his fitness on Thursday.
Brighton’s Simon Adingra was also absent against Guinea-Bissau, but could return to the squad against Nigeria this evening after resuming training.
Should Haller miss out, then Red Star Belgrade striker Jean-Philippe Krasso can be expected to lead the line again, having scored in his country’s opener.
On Nigeria’s side, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf – himself a replacement for the absent Wilfred Ndidi – was stretchered off against Equatorial Guinea and will not play in this match as a result, though his injury is not considered serious.
Joe Aribo is the most likely option to come into the side should he be ruled out, while Samuel Chukwueze is also pushing to be named in the starting lineup after the AC Milan winger was only named on the bench in the Super Eagles’ first match.
Nigeria will once again turn to Victor Osimhen for inspiration, with the Napoli striker equalising to earn his side an opening draw.
Kelechi Iheanacho was an injury doubt heading into the tournament and was an unused substitute against Equatorial Guinea, but the forward has argued that he is fully fit and ready to feature.
The Ivory Coast team:
Ivory Coast XI: Y. Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Boga, Krasso, Kouame
Subs: Seri, Singo, Kossounou, Bamba, Konate, Boly, Diakite, Gradel, Pepe, B. A. Sangare, Diallo, Amani
Nigeria welcome Samuel Chukwueze back into XI
The AC Milan star was a surprise omission from their first game but he returns in what looks like a 3-4-3 formation on Thursdaym
Calvin Bassey slots in for the injured Alhassan Yusuf, with Moses Simon benched for Samuel Chukwueze.
How Nigeria will line up
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
Subs: Moffi, Uzoho, Musa, Aribo, Samuel, Onyemaechi, Iheanacho, Simon, Onuachu, Awaziem, Omeruo, Nwadike
