Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria: African Cup Final Preview

After several weeks of intense action, exciting matches, and many surprises, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its final. That means we only have two teams alive, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

As we approach the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations Grand Final, both will prepare for a grueling encounter. With so much at stake, the teams must harness all their skill and determination to secure victory. This final promises to be a thrilling showcase of African soccer, with both teams deserving their place in the main competition match.

Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria have won the AFCON several times and consistently field star-studded squads, full of talent playing at the highest levels in Europe’s top leagues. Their rosters feature some of the biggest names in African soccer. This final is a dream showdown between two pre-tournament favorites.

When and where?

Sunday, February 11, 3:00 pm ET at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Moneyline odds:

Ivory Coast 2.775 

Nigeria 2.668

Draw Offs: 

3.12

Where Can I Watch it? 

beIN SPORTS CONNECT

Why Bet on Ivory Coast?

Côte d’Ivoire, who secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in the semifinals, will be looking to lift the coveted trophy for the third time in their history.

The Elephants barely survived the group stage with a commanding win over Guinea-Bissau, while losing to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. They managed to qualify for the next stage as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage.

In the Round of 16, Côte d’Ivoire faced a stubborn Senegalese team and struggled to break them down. In a back-and-forth match, they were held to a 1-1 draw in regular time, eventually winning 5-4 on penalties. In the quarterfinals, things got a little more straightened out as they beat Mali 2-1, before finally defeating DR Congo in the semifinals, thanks to a goal from Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga striker Sebastien Haller.

That narrow semifinal victory shows that Côte d’Ivoire can handle adversity. They have the quality in attack to open up defenses, but also the steel to grind out results when necessary. After reaching the final in regulation, they will be full of confidence going into the title decider against Nigeria.

Why Bet on Nigeria?

Meanwhile, Nigeria, who defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw in regular time, will be hoping to secure their fourth Africa Cup title and first since 2013.

Nigeria’s vibrant attacking play, led by the likes of Victor Osimhen and Samu Chukwueze, has been a strength throughout the tournament, and they will be confident heading into the final.

The semifinal against South Africa was a tight match between the tournament favorites. Nigeria took the lead initially through a William Troost-Ekong penalty goal in the 67th minute. But South Africa equalized before the 90th minute, with a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena. 

With the match still tied after extra time, it went to penalties, where Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili made two key saves to secure the shootout victory.

Final Betting Analysis: Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria

Nigeria is looking to capture its fourth African Cup title against Ivory Coast in the final. With stars like Musa, Osimhen, and Boniface, the Eagles have the talent to lift the trophy. But they will face a tough test against an Ivory Coast team eager to win their third title.

At 1XBET, we can see that there is a Moneyline that favors Nigeria at 2.668, while Ivory Coast starts at 2.775.

The locals suffered a roller coaster of a tournament, but we believe they have enough in them to put the final touch to the surprise. We’ll go for a 1-1 in regular time and an Ivory Coast victory on penalties.

Look for a draw at 3.12. If you bet $100 with such odds, you could get $212 for a total payout of $3.12.

Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria Betting Pick: Draw (Ivory Coast wins on penalties)