Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset expects a tough AFCON clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The head coach of Cote d'Ivoire, Jean-Louis Gasset, anticipates a challenging matchup with the Nigerian Super Eagles.
![AFCON 2023: Jay-Jay Okocha motivates wasteful Super Eagles to beat Ivory Coast](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18012024/b0406703-2574-4d91-aa96-bb3036c49386.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
05:20 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Jay-Jay Okocha motivates wasteful Super Eagles to beat Ivory Coast
Jay-Jay Okocha motivates wasteful Super Eagles to beat Ivory Coast in AFCON 2nd group game.
In one of the competition's most anticipated matches, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire will square off on Thursday at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium.
![Super Eagles vs Ivory Coast: Time and where to watch Nigeria's 2nd AFCON group game](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17012024/08deae65-604a-4628-a248-cba1bfb4f174.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
06:45 - 17.01.2024
Super Eagles vs Ivory Coast: Time and where to watch Nigeria's 2nd AFCON group game
Watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria bounce back against Ivory Coast in their 2nd AFCON group game.
In their first-round matches, the two teams experienced somewhat different results.
The Super Eagles and Equatorial Guinea played to a 1-1 draw, while the Elephants defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0.
![Super Eagles starting XI against Equatorial Guinea ahead of Ivory Coast](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15012024/d62035af-aa61-4717-a3ab-a09e7dd3897b.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Ivory Coast coach expects tough Super Eagles
Gasset said the Super Eagles will pose a challenge for his team despite Nigeria's sluggish beginning.
He said, “Nigeria is a top team, they have good players, some of the best in Africa.
![A flying start for Ivory Coast at the AFCON2023 against Guinea-Bissau has Super Eagles of Nigeria fans worried (Photo Credit: CAF/X)](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13012024/85907306-a9f2-4600-b93c-bbca876d0932.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
"You can’t judge them with the first game against Equatorial Guinea,” Gasset told a press conference in Abidjan on Wednesday.
“I think they struggled with the weather a bit in their first game.
"It’s not easy to play at 2pm here. Teams struggled even when they play in the evening, so you can imagine how difficult it was for them.”
![Watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria bounce back against Ivory Coast in their 2nd AFCON group game.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17012024/08deae65-604a-4628-a248-cba1bfb4f174.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
“So, we are not going to judge them with the performance against Equatorial Guinea.
“It’s not going to be an easy game for us. They are a tough opponent and will make things difficult for us.”
![Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset expects a tough AFCON clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Credit - Pooja/Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18012024/88e2fb79-a6a9-4bb7-b71e-52e03b63398d.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
![Watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria bounce back against Ivory Coast in their 2nd AFCON group game.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17012024/08deae65-604a-4628-a248-cba1bfb4f174.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Super Eagles vs Ivory Coast Head-to-Head
With a long-standing rivalry, the two sides have faced off 27 times in all competitions since 1967.
![Ivory Coast takes charge of Group A after Guinea-Bissau win.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13012024/3e6e9509-542e-4412-84a3-b0317e982eb6.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Ten of the games have resulted in draws, giving the hosts a slim 9–8 advantage in the head-to-head record.
When the two teams last faced off in a friendly in 2015, the hosts prevailed 1-0 as they split the last four games.
![Super Eagles vs Ivory Coast: 10 teammates that will go to battle in Nigeria's 2nd AFCON group game](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17012024/32eab42f-6be1-45a2-83a5-38a6966ef9c6.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
In their six AFCON encounters with Cote d'Ivoire, the Super Eagles have prevailed four times, two of which have been by penalties, and the other two have gone to the home team.
Remarkably, in four out of the six competition editions where they have faced off against the hosts, Nigeria has advanced to the finals.
When they played each other in the AFCON quarterfinals in 2013, Nigeria prevailed 2-1 and a week later, they would win their third AFCON crown.
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