AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Ivory Coast key players to watch

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) host, Ivory Coast looks to continue their bright start as they face a tough opponent in Nigeria in Group A play.

The team has shown strong performance in recent matches, being unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions since October 2023.

Nigeria, meanwhile, has suffered a fall from grace as one of Africa’s most talented footballing nations, winning just one in six matches in the same period of time.

The two heavyweights of African football will do battle at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Thursday. NigeriaFootball.ng bring you key players to watch from both sides.

SEKO FOFANA:

Seko Fofana, who is marred in a brutal run of form at the club level, was a man-possessed in the AFCON opener, scoring a thunderbolt just four minutes in. He has been remarkable in midfield control and attacking contributions.

VICTOR OSIMHEN:

It will be hard to keep Victor Osimhen and company off the board completely but he must take his chances bringing his athleticism and goal-scoring abilities to the attacking thrust.

Nigeria will once again turn to Victor Osimhen for inspiration, with the Napoli striker equalizing to earn his side an opening draw.

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN:

With him drifting inward off the flank, Lookman supplements playmaking talents with pace and one-versus-one trickery beating defenders. His craft and vision could dismantle Ivory Coast’s rearguard systematically.

He provides the much-needed creativity for the Super Eagles and his ability to score and assist will be a usable weapon.

OTHERS:

With Franck Kessie absolutely cooking in midfield, and Jean-Philippe Krasso taking his good club form along with him to AFCON as Sabastine Haller’s understudy, this Ivory Coast team will find chances against a Nigeria side that has failed to keep a clean sheet in four straight games, all against theoretically inferior sides.

After missing the opening match while recovering from injury, Kelechi Iheanacho is a great addition for Nigeria ahead of the clash. He is designated as one of four strikers on the final squad, but his ball-handling technique also allows him to play comfortably as an attacking midfielder. His creativity and work rate could be vital in the Super Eagles midfield.