AFCON 2023: Nigeria has more talents that Cote d’Ivoire on paper- Jean-Louis Gasset

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of Cote D’Ivoire senior men’s national team, Jean-Louis Gasset has admitted that the Nigeria counterparts have arrays of stars on their fold.

The Ivorians got off to a smooth start as first half strike from Seko Fofana and second half effort of Jean-Phillippe Krasso earned their a 2-0 opening Africa Cup of Nations victory over Guinea Bissau.

Despite the positive start, Gasset expects a difficult as he feels  the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman can pose a serious threat when both West African sides trade tackles on Thursday.

“It is true that on paper Nigeria has more talents in the team,” Gasset told journalists during his pre-match press conference in Abidjan on Wednesday.

“They have a wide array of players at their disposal. For us, we have a team that can compete. We are trying to work hard and will take the game to Nigeria.”

Favorites have struggled for results at the ongoing AFCON 2023, with Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, and South Africa have failed to win their first games and this gaffer insists the encounter will be different.

“Every game has a different story.” He continued. “We saw that all of the favorite since the onset of the tournament have struggled.

“Each game has its own story. The time of the match has an impact. Playing by 5 pm might require several cautious. Nigeria can attest to that. Teams need to take their chances. If you don’t do that, you can get upset.”

In getting a positive result against the three-time African champions, Gradel stated his approach.

“We need to control the ball better during our weak times. We need to be better in transition and maintain the mindset because everyone is important. No one is left on the sidelines,” he added.

“We need to ensure that everyone has the same mindset whether they are starting or on the bench.”