5 interesting facts about Nigeria vs Ivory Coast AFCON clash | Headline News

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Nigeria's Super Eagles. Photo: AFP

Elephant of Ivory Coast. Photo: AFP

Football fans across Africa are watching with bated breath as the epic clash between Ivory Coast and Nigeria takes place in Group A of AFCON 2023 as the roar of the crowd prepares to engulf the stadium. Steeped in history and brimming with talent, this shocking rivalry is a spectacle that will keep anyone on the edge of their seats. But before the whistle blows, let's light the fire with his five interesting facts about the past matchups of these two giants in AFCON.

The first AFCON match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria was in 1980

Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu lifts the African Cup of Nations after his team's 3-0 win and receives congratulations from Nigeria's President Shehu Shagari (left) (Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS, Getty Images) Than)

Nigeria first faced Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations in 1980, which was held in Nigeria.

The second Group A match ended scoreless for both teams.

Nigeria and Egypt advanced to the semi-finals, while Ivory Coast and Tanzania were eliminated. Nigeria will win their first AFCON title.

Nigeria's first AFCON win against Ivory Coast was in 1990.

Rashidi Yekini scored Nigeria's only goal against Ivory Coast in the 1990 AFCON. Photo: CAF

Nigeria first defeated Ivory Coast in AFCON in 1990 in Algeria.

The match was the third and final Group A match for both teams, with Nigeria winning 1-0, with the late Rashidi Yekini scoring the only goal of the match.

The Nigerian team advanced to the semi-finals along with hosts Algeria, but Ivory Coast and Egypt were eliminated in the group stage.

Ivory Coast's first AFCON win against Nigeria was in 2006.

Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba compete for the ball during the African Cup of Nations semi-final match at Haras El Hedod Stadium on February 7, 2006 in Alexandria, Egypt. Credit: AFP

Ivorian Elephants had to wait until the 2006 AFCON to record their first win against Nigeria in this competition.

Didier Drogba's second-half goal gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory and a place in the final, but they lost to hosts Egypt in a penalty shootout.

Nigeria achieved victory over Ivory Coast in the AFCON meeting

Daniel Amokachi of Nigeria passes Guell Chilesua (right) of Ivory Coast during the African Cup of Nations semi-finals at the Olympic Stadium in El Menza, Tunisia, on April 6, 1994. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties. Credit: AFP

In the six AFCON meetings, Nigeria recorded three wins, Ivory Coast two, and one match ended in a draw.

Nigeria's three championships came in 1990, 1994 and 2013 at the AFCON tournament.

For the Ivorians, their victories over Nigeria came in 2006 and 2008.

The only draw between the two teams was at the 1980 AFCON in Nigeria.

AFCON 2023 will be the fourth group stage match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria

Nwankwo Kanu and Yaya Toure challenge for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations 2008 Group B match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at Sekondi Stadium in Ghana. (Photo AFP)

Prior to Thursday's encounter, Ivory Coast and Nigeria had met three times in the group stages of AFCON.

The first time the two teams met in the group stage was in 1980, which ended in a scoreless game.

Both teams had to wait until the 1990 tournament before their paths crossed again in the group stage, which Nigeria won 1-0.

In the group stage in Ghana in 2008, Ivory Coast won 1-0 with a solo goal from Salomon Kalou.

Source: guardian.ng