AFCON 2024: Ivory Coast confirmed lineup vs Nigeria – Aurier starts, Kossounou returns

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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.

Ivory Coast confirmed lineup
Photo by Icon Sport

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.

AFCON 2024: Ivory Coast confirmed lineup vs Nigeria – Aurier starts, Kossounou returns

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)