Sports

AFCON Final: Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoire – Preview, Team News, Kick-off Time

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

Editor

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will again face the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but this time around in the final of the biggest football event on the continent.

Both sides have had an interesting run into the final of the competition and will be ready to leave it all out on the pitch as they seek to increase the AFCON titles in their trophy cabinet.

When both sides faced off in the group stage, Nigeria, via a spot kick converted by captain William Troost-Ekong. pipped the Cote D’Ivoire team 1-0 as they went on to secure a second-placed finish while Cote D’Ivoire made it out as one of the four best-third placed teams.

Nigeria have faced stronger sides coming into the final, and look a better team on paper to clinch the AFCON trophy, but Cote D’Ivoire themselves are no minnows especially with their renewed energy and optimism after finding themselves in the second round by a stroke of luck and now driven by the ambition to make it count in front of millions of their home fans.

For the Elephants, this is a revenge mission that comes with a better prize: the AFCON trophy, while for Nigeria: nothing will be more epic than winning the AFCON by defeating the hosts and neighbours: Cote D’Ivoire right on their own soil.

Nigeria vs Cote D’Ivoire – Team News

After initially being unable to travel with the team due to stomach problems, Victor Osimhen was declared fit to lead Nigeria against South Africa.

Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Ola Aina were all one booking away from missing the final match, but none of them received a caution against South Africa.

Regarding Cote D’Ivoire, Simon Adingra of Brighton and Haller are both back in shape and playing well.

In the interim, Oumar Diakite, Odilon Kossounou, and Serge Aurier will return from suspension for the Elephants in the final game.

Fae will have to make a crucial choice in the final third, where Haller, the team’s lucky charm, will face competition from former Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe and Max Gradel.

Head to head: Nigeria vs Cote D’Ivoire

Nigeria had previously lost four of their previous six meetings against Ivory Coast.

Nigeria wins: 9

Draws: 10

Ivory Coast wins: 9

Date, kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast is scheduled for a 9pm Nigerian time kick-off on Sunday February 11, 2024.

The final match will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

VANGUARD

Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.