Afrigather The Ivory Coast and Nigeria will conflict on the continental championship in a tie that might have a big affect on their title ambitions
Head coach Jean-Louis Gasset of hosts Cote d’Ivoire has admitted that Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles shall be a troublesome buyer to face when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in January, Soccernet.ng stories.
Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire have been drawn collectively in Group A on the event, alongside Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The Tremendous Eagles will lock horns with Equatorial Guinea, whereas the Elephants will sq. up in opposition to Guinea-Bissau on matchday one.
Probably the most anticipated match in Group A between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is scheduled for January 18, with the winner prone to end high of the group.
Ivory Coast coach Gasset has revealed he would have liked to tackle Nigeria on matchday three, in all probability when qualification to the knockout rounds would have been assured.
The previous Bordeaux and Montpellier supervisor admits that each the Elephants and the Tremendous Eagles usually are not as glorious as earlier than, however he stays cautious of a Nigerian workforce that would be the Most worthy on the event.
“Sadly, we’re to satisfy Nigeria in our second sport,” Gasset informed ACLSports.
“I’d have liked it to be the final. They are saying the Elephants are not as nice as they have been; I see the identical for Nigeria, too.
“Again within the day, the Tremendous Eagles have been phenomenal, however issues have modified. Nevertheless, they continue to be a strong facet and will destroy any workforce within the competitors, so you need to watch out.”
Whereas Nigeria and Ivory Coast would be the favourites to qualify from Group A, Gasset is cautious to not dismiss the specter of Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
“Because the draw, I’ve been listening to Cote D’Ivoire and Nigeria as the 2 sides to progress from the group. That’s humorous to me,” the Frenchman says.
“That is an Afcon. It’s a giant competitors. Each certified workforce is aiming for achievement. Don’t be stunned to see surprises. Our foremost goal as a number nation is the last word, however now we have to put the inspiration proper within the group stage.”
Nigeria, who received their final title in 2013, have lifted the AFCON trophy on 4 events – two greater than the Ivorians.
The Tremendous Eagles have vowed to gun for Nigeria’s fifth honour on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when it kicks off on January 13, 2024.
