Prediction: Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

Verdict: Nigeria to win trophy 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With all eyes falling on Abidjan this weekend, host nation Ivory Coast will meet Nigeria on Sunday night for the 2024 AFCON Final.

Nigeria

Starting with Nigeria, after watching a host of African heavyweights crash out at the group stage last month, the Super Eagles have really been fancying their chance of making history this year. Eventually edging their way past South Africa on Wednesday night after what was a remarkable showdown in Bouake, Jose Peseiro’s men have received plenty of praise over the past few weeks. Although the three-time AFCON champions might have opened their adventure with a 1-1 stalemate against Equatorial Guinea on January 14th, Nigeria have come roaring back. Including a quarter-final statement as they landed a 2-0 win against historic rivals Cameroon, the Greens have won all of their previous five appearances. Likewise, claiming a 1-0 victory when they met the Ivory Coast while in Group A action on January 18th, the former Porto boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance here.

Team News

Both avoiding what would have been a costly booking against South Africa earlier in the week, the defensive duo of Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey will start at the back on Sunday night. AC Milan star Samuel Chukwueze will have to settle for another spot on the bench.

Although Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen might have failed to bag a single AFCON strike this year, the 25-year-old will certainly have a leading role to play here. Spearheading Nigeria’s charge over the past few weeks and receiving a string of plaudits, Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman will once again partner Osimhen in the final third.

Ivory Coast

As for the Ivory Coast, after enduring a public group stage nightmare last month, few would have expected to see the host nation compete for a third AFCON crown on Sunday night. Shockingly parting ways with Jean-Louis Gasset before their knockout stage spot was confirmed, caretaker boss Emerse Fae has done an astonishing job of improving the mood in their camp. Springing a major upset on January 29th as they secured a famous penalties victory against African giants Senegal, the Elephants are in the midst of a remarkable AFCON fairytale. Enjoying a party atmosphere earlier in the week as they eventually clawed their way to a 1-0 win against D.R. Congo, the Ivory Coast will undoubtedly be backed by an emotional home support on Sunday night. However, hit with that 1-0 loss when they met Nigeria during their downbeat Group A run last month, Fae’s side will face another stern examination here.

Team News

After serving a one-match suspension against D.R. Congo earlier in the week, Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou could make a full return on Sunday night. Putting in a standout performance in midweek, Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly will partner Roma defender Evan Ndicka at the back.

Bagging what was a famous semi-final winner on Wednesday night, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller should keep his role spearheading Fae’s charge. Despite failing to notch a single AFCON strike over the past few weeks, one-time Leeds star Max Gradel will join Haller in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Nigeria and the Ivory Coast met for their Group A showdown on January 18th, the Super Eagles picked up a 1-0 victory.
• Nigeria have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 14 straight appearances across all competitions.
• The Ivory Coast have managed to win just one of their previous five AFCON appearances within 90 minutes.
• The Super Eagles have conceded just a single goal in over 500 minutes of AFCON action.
• All of the previous four meetings between Sunday’s finalists have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While the Ivory Coast might be at the heart of a stunning AFCON fairytale, Sunday’s host nation will face a stern examination here. Although the Elephants might be backed by an emotional home support this weekend, Fae’s squad will be worried by their Group A showdown against Nigeria. With the three-time AFCON champions landing a 1-0 victory when the two sides met on January 18th, we are expecting the Super Eagles to make more history in Abidjan.

Verdict: Nigeria to win trophy 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet