AFCON 2023: Time and where to watch Nigeria vs Cote d’Ivoire

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set for what is looking like the first unmissable match as Nigeria takes on the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in their second group match.

Playing on their home turf, the Elephants had a strong start in the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, while Nigeria, facing injury challenges, was held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea. These recent forms set the stage for what is expected to be a decider in the group stage.

These two sides haven’t met for nine years, but it’s Nigeria who will have the fonder memories of their last AFCON encounter in 2013 — the Super Eagles were on the winning end of a close 2-1 in the quarter-finals, on their way to lifting the trophy.

In 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, with both sides scoring five goals apiece.

As they aim for their first Nations Cup crown since 2015, and third overall, Ivory Coast looks to overcome a resilient Nigeria, a team that inflicted heartbreak on them in the 2013 edition.

Jose Peseiro’s side are on the hunt for their first victory in the AFCON.

Nigeria, however, can take confidence in the fact that they have advanced to the finals on four ocassions out of the six editions where they have faced off against the hosts.

The three-time champions face the crucial task of securing all three points to prevent their first group-stage exit since the 1982 edition of the AFCON.

The match is slated to kick off at 6 p.m. Nigerian time on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.

The match will air on Supersports on DSTV, Afrosport stream, and also on Startimes.