In the Ivory Coast confirmed lineup, the Elephants have made two changes from the team that defeated DR Congo 1-0 as they face Nigeria in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Elephants started the tournament slowly and were on the brink of elimination but have managed to save their campaign and even make it to the final.
Both teams met in the group stage, with Nigeria coming out top 1-0 courtesy of William Troost-Ekong’s penalty in the second half.
Emerse Fae welcomes back Odilon Kossounou, who was sent off in the quarter-final game against Mali, as he replaces Wily Boly, while Serge Aurier replaces Wilfried Singo at right-back.
Sebastien Haller makes his second start of the tournament after an impressive show and the winner against DR Congo.
They will have to be at their best against a Nigeria defence that has not conceded any goal from open play since the 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the first match of the group stage.
Ivory Coast have leaked in seven goals in this year’s tournament which means they have to be solid at the back against a Nigeria forward line with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Ivory Coast must maintain their defensive discipline to stand a chance against Nigeria's potent attacking trio.
Ivory Coast confirmed lineup against Nigeria
Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana will start in goal again as Fae goes with his favourite 4-3-3 formation that has Konan, Ndicka, Kossounou and Aurier in the defence line.
In the midfield, Fofana, Seri and Kessie will hold forth while in the attack, he will line up Simon Adingra, Nicolas Pepe and Max Gradel.
Ivory Coast confirmed lineup against Nigeria
Formation(4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana.
Defenders: Serge Aurier, Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou , Ghislain Konan
Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Jean Michaël Seri, Franck Kessié.
Forwards: Simon Adingra, Sebastien Haller, Max Gradel.
The Nigeria vs Ivory Coast game will be broadcast live on Supersport, NTA Sports 24 and StarTimes Sports Premium.
