The two African giants will meet in a draw in the continental championship, which could have a major impact on their title ambitions
Hosts Ivory Coast head coach Jean-Louis Gasset has admitted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be a formidable opponent when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations begins in January, Soccernet.ng reported.
Nigeria and Ivory Coast were included in Group A of the tournament along with Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The most anticipated Group A match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is scheduled for January 18th, with the winner likely to finish top of the group.
Cote d’Ivoire coach Gassett revealed that he would have liked to have played against Nigeria in the third matchday if they had been guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages.
The former Bordeaux and Montpellier coach admits that both the Elephants and Super Eagles teams are not as good as they used to be, but remains cautious about the most valuable Nigerian team in the tournament.
“Unfortunately, we will play Nigeria in the second game,” Gassett told ACLSports.
“The Super Eagles used to be phenomenal, but things have changed. But they are still a solid team and need to be careful as they can destroy any team in the competition. Yes.”
While Nigeria and Ivory Coast are the favorites to qualify for Group A, Gassett is careful not to ignore the threats from Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
“Since the draw, I have heard that Ivory Coast and Nigeria are the two teams that will advance from the group. I think that will be interesting,” says the Frenchman.
“This is Afcon. It’s a big competition. All qualified teams will strive for success. Don’t be surprised if you find something surprising. Our main goal as host nation is the final, but we must quickly lay the foundations for the group stage.”
Nigeria, who last won the title in 2013, have won the AFCON trophy four times. This is more than twice as much as her in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles have vowed to challenge for Nigeria’s fifth honor at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on January 13, 2024.
