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In a startling revelation, Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has tipped Cote d’Ivoire for a win against Nigeria in today's heated encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
The stage is set for a high-octane battle as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations heats up, with both teams eyeing a spot in the knockout stages.
Elephants Riding High on Home Advantage
The Ivorian team, buoyed by their convincing 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, carries formidable momentum into the clash with Nigeria.
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14:08 - 18.01.2024
Nigeria leading xG table, Morocco's stunning performance and other key stats from AFCON 2023 so far
AFCON 2023 has already defied sceptics with its overly attacking outlook, but which stats have stood out from the competition in Ivory Coast so far?
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06:15 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast coach expects Super Eagles to provide tough test
Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset expects a tough AFCON clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Elephants, playing in front of a home crowd, seem to have an upper hand, a sentiment echoed by Akpeyi. "It’s going to be a tough game against Ivory Coast as they are the host country,” said Akpeyi, as reported by Soccernet.
He further added, “I am giving it to the hosts because they will have a huge support at the stadium, but again this is football and anything can happen."
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Super Eagles eye comeback
Despite Nigeria's lukewarm start with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, there's still hope for the three-time AFCON champions. Akpeyi, who has donned the Nigerian jersey 19 times, acknowledges the potential for an upset.
Recalling the 2019 incident where Bafana Bafana overthrew Egypt, he stated, “I remember in 2019, Bafana defeated Egypt when they were the hosts, so if Nigeria shows up, they can upset Ivory Coast.”
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The Super Eagles, under the guidance of head coach Jose Peseiro, are placing their bets on Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali, who replaced Francis Uzoho as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Nwabali, who debuted against Equatorial Guinea, is all set to prove his mettle and aim for his first clean sheet in the crucial match against Cote d’Ivoire.
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