Afrigather In a quest for his or her first win on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles brace for a showdown with hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18.
A conflict between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is a typical characteristic on the AFCON, wealthy with historical past and a touch of drama.
Right here Soccernet.ng remembers seven epic battles between two of probably the most profitable groups on the continental championships.
1980 AFCON: Nigeria 0-0 Cote d’Ivoire
In 1980, Nigeria confronted the Ivorians in a grudge match, with the Inexperienced Eagles harbouring the lingering ache of their elimination within the qualifying sequence for the 1968 AFCON.
The encounter resulted in a tense goalless draw, however Nigeria’s subsequent victories over Egypt and Tanzania supplied a satisfying redemption, permitting them to prime Group A.
In the meantime, Cote d’Ivoire bowed out with solely two factors from three video games.
The conflict towards Cote d’Ivoire was the one recreation Nigeria didn’t win because the Eagles dominated Morocco within the semifinals and overcame Algeria within the closing to win the nation’s first-ever AFCON trophy.
1990 AFCON: Nigeria 1-0 Cote d’Ivoire
A decade later, at Algiers ’90, Nigeria met with Cote d’Ivoire once more within the group stage.
The Eagles had misplaced their first match to hosts Algeria, however a 1-0 victory over Egypt helped the group regain confidence earlier than dealing with the Ivorians on matchday three.
The Elephants additionally wanted a win to qualify for the following spherical, having defeated Egypt and misplaced to Algeria.
The conflict of the titans delivered on its promise to be a well-fought-out battle, however Nigeria got here out on prime because of an early strike from an thrilling younger Rashidi Yekini.
The Eagles went all the way in which to the ultimate earlier than shedding once more to hosts Algeria.
1994 AFCON: Nigeria 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire (4-2 on penalties)
Nigeria once more confronted off towards Cote d’Ivoire within the semifinals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia — a conflict etched in soccer historical past for its sheer depth and dramatic twists.
Nigeria, undefeated in three earlier video games, collided with the Elephants, who had showcased their dominance by trouncing Sierra Leone 4-0 and narrowly falling to Zambia.
The Elephants boasted an arsenal that includes the formidable goalkeeper Alain Gouamene, whereas the attacking trio of Joel Tiehi, Abdoulaye Traore, and Michel Bassole struck worry into defenders.
On the opposite facet, Nigeria paraded battle-ready warriors — defensive stalwart Stephen Keshi, midfield maestro Jay Jay Okocha, and the relentless Daniel Amokachi within the assault.
What unfolded on the Stade El Menzah in Tunis was breathtaking.
The primary half – marked by 4 targets – grew to become an exhilarating spectacle, etching its mark as one of the crucial fascinating in AFCON historical past.
Ivory Coast drew first blood by way of a header from the deadly Bassole, igniting the gang.
But, Nigeria’s resilience got here to the fore when Benedict Iroha mixed with Rashidi Yekini to stage the scores halfway by way of the primary half.
Bassole struck once more, reclaiming the lead for the Elephants, just for Rashidi Yekini to attract parity from shut vary simply earlier than the interval.
Nigeria had sufficient probabilities after the break to win the tie however Cote d’Ivoire held on stubbornly even into additional time.
Within the ensuing penalty drama, feelings ran excessive as Samson Siasia and Bassole faltered.
Nevertheless, Nigeria’s Iroha, Finidi, Amokachi, and Yekini held their nerve, changing their kicks flawlessly.
The end result: a pulsating 4-2 victory for Nigeria, etching this semifinal conflict as one of the crucial unforgettable moments in AFCON historical past.
2006 AFCON: Nigeria 0-1 Cote d’Ivoire
The Ivorians, impressed by the dynamic duo of Drogba and Toure, lastly clinched their first AFCON victory over Nigeria in 2006.
The semifinal conflict in Alexandria’s Harras El-Hedoud Stadium unfolded with suspense, concluding in a slim 1-0 victory for Cote d’Ivoire.
Regardless of this setback, Nigeria rallied to safe third place within the event.
2008 AFCON: Nigeria 0-1 Cote d’Ivoire
On the 2008 AFCON version held in Ghana two years later, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire shared Group B with Mali and Benin.
Whereas the Elephants soared with wins in all three group video games, the Tremendous Eagles managed a victory towards Benin, a draw towards Mali, and a defeat by the hands of the dominant Ivorians.
Regardless of the notable abilities of John Obi Mikel and Yakubu Aiyegbeni within the Nigerian squad, the Eagles confronted a formidable problem towards a star-studded Ivorian lineup that includes the likes of Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and Kader Keïta in assault, with midfield maestro Yaya Toure orchestrating the sport.
The decisive second got here within the 66th minute when Kalou’s scientific end secured a 1-0 victory for Cote d’Ivoire, claiming all three factors at stake.
Nigeria made it previous the group stage, however the Tremendous Eagles’ journey within the event ended within the quarterfinals towards host nation Ghana.
Equally, Cote d’Ivoire tasted defeat within the bronze medal match towards the Black Stars.
2013 AFCON: Nigeria 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire
Remarkably, each time Nigeria has triumphed over Cote d’Ivoire in any AFCON stage, it has paved the way in which for the Eagles to soar into the event closing.
South Africa 2013 was no exception to this intriguing sample.
Because the quarterfinal conflict unfolded, the Ivorians, with Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure nonetheless of their ranks, have been the heavy favourites to brush apart a Tremendous Eagles group managed by former worldwide Stephen Keshi.
Each groups had navigated divergent paths to achieve this pivotal stage.
Cote d’Ivoire smashed a tournament-high seven targets within the group stage to assert the highest spot in Group D.
In distinction, Nigeria secured a runners-up place in Group C, counting on two late Victor Moses penalties to safe the spot behind Burkina Faso.
The Tremendous Eagles adopted a tactical strategy, sustaining defensive solidity and capitalising on counter-attacks.
The impasse was damaged simply moments earlier than halftime by a spectacular long-range free-kick from Emmanuel Emenike.
Regardless of Cheick Ismaël Tioté heading dwelling the Ivorians’ equalizer 5 minutes into the second half, Sunday Mba’s distinctive winner within the 78th minute despatched 200 million compatriots into wild jubilations.
Buoyed by this triumph, the Tremendous Eagles carried the identical momentum into the semifinals, the place they dominated Mali with a powerful 4-1 victory.
This emphatic win paved the way in which for Nigeria to safe a spot within the closing, the place they clinched the trophy with a 1-0 overcome Burkina Faso.
