AFCON 2023: Super Eagles star tips Cote d’Ivoire to beat Nigeria – “I’m giving it to the hosts”

The former Nigerian international knows anything can happen in football but believes playing in front of thousands of compatriots hands the Ivorians the edge

Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has predicted a Cote d’Ivoire victory when the Elephants meet Nigeria today (Thursday, January 18) at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Soccernet.ng reports.

After recording an impressive 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosts Cote d’Ivoire have momentum as they trade tackles with three-time winners Nigeria.

The Super Eagles were underwhelming in their first match of the tournament, battling to a disappointing 1-1 draw against lowly Equatorial Guinea.

A win for Cote d’Ivoire will secure six points and a spot in the knockout round of the AFCON, and Akpeyi believes that is the likeliest outcome, especially with the Ivorians playing on home soil.

The Moroka Swallows goalkeeper, however, admits that the Super Eagles can upset the odds and stun the hosts to grab their first win of the tournament.

“It’s going to be a tough game against Ivory Coast as they are the host country,” Akpeyi said, as per Sowetan Live.

“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.

“I remember in 2019, Bafana defeated Egypt when they were the hosts, so if Nigeria show up, they can upset Ivory Coast.”

Akpeyi, who has 19 caps for Nigeria, was in the conversation when head coach Jose Peseiro was looking for alternatives for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

Peseiro eventually settled for Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.

Nwabali made his competitive debut for Nigeria in that match against Equatorial Guinea.

The 28-year-old will aim to keep his first clean sheet for the Super Eagles against the Ivorians.