AFCON 2023 Final: Nigeria v Côte d'Ivoire -Match preview, possible lineups, and team news

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FOOTBALL AFCON 2023 Final: Nigeria v Côte d'Ivoire -Match preview, possible lineups, and team news

Festus Chuma 09:13 - 11.02.2024

Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is poised for an electrifying finale as Nigeria prepare to face off against Côte d'Ivoire in a much-anticipated clash on Sunday, 11 February. 

This grand showdown is set to take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, promising football fans across the globe a spectacle of skill, passion, and the ultimate quest for continental glory.

Nigeria's journey to the final was nothing short of cinematic, culminating in a nail-biting 4-2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa. 

The Super Eagles displayed resilience and teamwork, proving their mettle as one of the tournament's most formidable teams. 

On the other side, Côte d'Ivoire, the gracious hosts, secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 win against DR Congo, thanks to Sebastien Haller's decisive volley.

Preview 

The final marks a rematch between Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, who previously encountered each other in the group stages. 

Nigeria emerged victorious in that encounter, with William Troost-Ekong's penalty sealing a 1-0 win for the Super Eagles. This upcoming final not only offers Côte d'Ivoire a chance for redemption but also sets the stage for an intense battle between two of Africa's footballing powerhouses.

Both teams have a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria claiming the title three times and Côte d'Ivoire twice. 

Their paths to the final have been paved with determination, skill, and a bit of drama, making this matchup a fitting conclusion to a tournament filled with surprises.

Nigeria's performance throughout the tournament has been characterized by a solid defense and a potent attack. 

Team news 

Despite fitness concerns for key players like William Troost-Ekong and Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles have shown depth and versatility in their squad. 

Coach Jose Peseiro's strategic acumen has been evident, steering the team through challenging matches and securing a spot in the final for the first time since 2013.

Côte d'Ivoire's journey to the final has been nothing short of a fairy tale. After a rocky start and the dismissal of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the Elephants have defied expectations under the guidance of Emerse Fae. 

The return of Oumar Diakite and Odilon Kossounou from suspension strengthens their lineup, while Simon Adingra's performance promises to add dynamism to their attack.

How to watch 2023 AFCON Final

The stage is set for an unforgettable night in Abidjan. With the whole continent watching, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final is more than a game; it's a showcase of Africa's passion for football, its culture, and its people.

For fans looking to catch every moment of this historic final, numerous broadcasting options are available.

In Kenya, viewers can tune into KBC Channel 1, SuperSport, or StarTimes, while fans in the UK & Ireland have the luxury of watching the game live on Sky Sports or BBC Three, with additional streaming options on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer, as well as the SkyGo app. 

Additionally, the tournament is being broadcast across the Middle East, North Africa, France, and the United States by beIN Sport, with CANAL+ covering French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa, GTV in Ghana, ZIGGO Sport in the Netherlands, and various games featured on CAF's own media channels.

Predicted line-ups

Nigeria: Nwabali, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

Ivory Coast: Fofana, Konan, Ndicka, Boly, Singo, Kessie, Seri, Seko Fofana, Adingra, Haller, Gradel.

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