Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match.
Ivory Coast
This national team has a really cool squad that includes Ndicka from AS Roma, experienced Kessié, Seko Fofana and Pépé, a forward of a really good level. The side had an early lead in the first game, so they were calm on the course of the match. Ivory Coast are ready to play in the attacking style, though, as they scored 11 goals in the first two games of the FIFA World Cup qualification. If Ivory Coast win this match, they will secure the first place in the group.
Nigeria
The last couple of months have been controversial for Nigeria. They failed to beat Lesotho (1:1) and Zimbabwe (1:1) in the FIFA World Cup qualification. They also failed to beat Equatorial Guinea (1:1) in the first match of the group stage. They had real problems with turning their attempts into goals. They scored only once, having almost 3 xG, though.
Ivory Coast – Nigeria prediction
Ivory Coast have qualified for this tournament as hosts. Bookmakers believe that this side is amongst the top four candidates to win the title. They have started this group stage with a confident win over Guinea-Bissau (2:0), with Fofana and Krasso scoring the goals.
Nigeria keep on being in crisis. Ivory Coast are supposed to prove that they’re the favourites.
