AFCON 2023: Nigeria XI vs Cote d’Ivoire – Iheanacho in, Yusuf out: How will Super Eagles lineup for Elephants clash?

The three-time continental champions were disappointing against Equatorial Guinea but need to step up their performance to secure a positive result against the hosts

Nigeria will seek their first victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they meet hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

While Cote d’Ivoire claimed an impressive 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in the tournament’s opening game, the Super Eagles wobbled to a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.

The Super Eagles must avoid a defeat and possibly beat hosts Cote d’Ivoire to brighten their chances of making it to the knockout round of the AFCON.

Soccernet.ng highlights how head coach Jose Peseiro can set up his team to outwit and outshine the Elephants.

Goalkeeper

Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali earned his competitive debut for the Super Eagles in the clash against Equatorial Guinea.

Nwabali conceded the only shot that the National Thunder had on target, but he did well with his distribution, ball-handling when mopping up loose balls in his area.

The 28-year-old will likely continue in between the goalposts for Nigeria and will face more questions from Cote d’Ivoire’s forwards.

Defence

Nigeria’s defence cracked against the Equatoguineans despite coming under minimal pressure.

A stiffer huddle awaits against the Ivorians who have a robust midfield, tricky wingers, and smart strikers.

Ola Aina did not get out of top gear against Equatorial Guinea and coach Peseiro may be tempted to try out Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel on Thursday.

However, Aina’s experience could be crucial against the Ivorians. Semi Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong started at the heart of Nigetria’s defence on matchday one and they should continue here.

Zaidu Sanusi was less-than-impressive last time out and while Peseiro can give him another chance to do well, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey can offer more at left-back.

Midfield

Cote d’Ivoire will likely go with a three-man midfield of Fofana, Kessie and Sangare – a trio Nigeria will struggle to match in quality, work-rate, and industry.

Still, expect Peseiro to work out a game plan to nullify the Elephants.

The unavailability of Alhassan Yusuf, who excelled on his Super Eagles debut on Sunday, definitely hampers that plan, though.

Frank Onyeka is a shoe-in for a starting shirt, while Joe Aribo and Raphael Onyedika will battle it out for the role right beside the Brentford man.

Aribo is not in his best form at the moment, while Onyedika is appearing at his first major tournament with Nigeria, leaving Peseiro with a tough choice to make.

Alex Iwobi is Peseiro’s go-to man for creativity in the centre of the park and the Fulham playmaker will need to put up his best performance to outshine the robust Ivorians.

Attack

Nigeria’s number-one striker is Victor Osimhen, who got the Super Eagles’ only goal on matchday one.

While he missed a tonne of chances against the Equatoguineans, Osimhen remains the preferred choice ahead of Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi.

Kelechi Iheanacho, with his experience, efficiency, and excellent passing range, is the perfect strike partner for Osimhen.

The Leicester City forward’s fitness level is, however, still a source of concern. 

If Iheanacho fails to make it, Peseiro can turn to Nantes forward Moses Simon.

Simon was deployed on the right flank against Equatorial Guinea when he has often excelled on the left-flank.

To get the best out of Simon, Peseiro may need to return him to his preferred role and hopes the winger brings his A-game against the Ivorians.

Ademola Lookman is Atalanta’s main outlet in attack and he could pair with Osimhen up front.

The former RB Leipzig ace created the goal for Osimhen to head home the equaliser for Nigeria last time out. He will play a part in any positive result the Super Eagles secure on Thursday.

Possible Nigeria lineup (4-3-3):
Nwabali; Osayi, Ajayi, Ekong, Bassey; Onyeka, Aribo, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Iheanacho

Who should make Nigeria’s starting lineup against Cote d’Ivoire? Leave your opinions in the comment section below. 

This post was last modified on January 17, 2024 3:58 pm

Imhons Erons

View Comments

  • 4-2-3-1
    Nwabali,

    Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey

    Iwobi(8), Onyeka(6)

    Lookman(10)
    (7)Iheanacho. Simon(11)
    Osimhen

  • if we play with that formation we don't stand a chance because the midfield three of the Ivorians have 3 big defensive bullies in sangare,kessie,sesko fofana .if I were the coach I will go for a modified back three - back four formation below: nwabali: aribo,ekong,ajayi,iwobi:Kenneth omoeruo,awaziem,onyeka: lookman,osimhen,Musa (4-1-2-3)
    the midfield three will be Kenneth omoeruo at the base with onyeka and awaziem at the sides ( incase u are wondering at are also good playing dmf in careers before) and two false full backs iwobi and aribo that will invert into attacking midfield when we are in possesion

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru defies racist insults in Lecce with graceful retort

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

8 minutes ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

12 minutes ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

50 minutes ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

3 hours ago

What Tolu Arokodare said after helping Genk set a new club record with dominant win over Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight at being part of history-making at KRC Genk after… Read More

4 hours ago

Why PSG will not sign Victor Osimhen

French Ligue 1 champions PSG may decide against signing Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, as… Read More

4 hours ago