Sports
Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria: Super Eagles facing AFCON nightmare
Ivory Coast versus Nigeria is now a game of numbers that the Super Eagles have no other alternative out of than the required 3-points up for grabs that could place them in better chances of qualifying from the group stages.
Failure to achieve that one result, sets for the Eagles and Jose Peseiro all the narratives they have gone for a while now shying away from; that the Nigerian Men’s national team is headed nowhere under the current Sporting administration.
Hard as it is to admit, Nigeria head into the clash as the obvious underdogs to the home side who would be looking forward to clinching a place in the knockout stages if the manage to nick a win against the Super Eagles.
Hence, as much as it is a game of pressure for both sides, pride lingers for Ivory Coast and Nigeria; knockout qualification or a window towards early exit from the AFCON.
Ahead of the game, we look at how Nigeria’s Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro might look to twist or perhaps change the narratives after the underwhelming result versus Equatorial Guinea even though obvious body language from the coach indicates little confidence towards victory against the Ivorians.
Sources in Abidjan suggest that Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, and Samuel Chukwueze are poised to be included in the starting lineup for the upcoming match.
Calvin Bassey, known for his versatility in central defence and as a left-back, might see action in the crucial fixture. Joe Aribo is speculated to step in for the injured Alhassan Yusuf, providing an alternative in the midfield.
Additionally, Samuel Chukwueze is expected to take up a role on the right flank of the attack, potentially replacing Moses Simon, who faced challenges in the previous match.
The kick-off for this pivotal game is scheduled for 6 pm West Africa Time. As the Super Eagles aim for their maiden win in the tournament, these strategic changes by Coach Peseiro are eagerly anticipated by fans and observers alike.
