The elephants of Ivory Coast. Photograph: AFP
Because the roar of the group prepares to engulf the stadium, soccer followers throughout Africa maintain their breath for the epic conflict between Ivory Coast and Nigeria in Group A of AFCON 2023. This thrilling rivalry, steeped in historical past and full of expertise, guarantees a spectacle that leaves everybody on the sting of their seat. However earlier than the whistle blows, let's stoke the hearth with 5 fascinating details about previous AFCON encounters between these two titans:
The primary AFCON match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria was in 1980
Nigerian captain Christian Chukwu is congratulated by Nigerian President Shehu Shagari (l) as he wins the African Cup of Nations following his crew's 3-0 victory (Photograph by Peter Robinson/EMPICS by way of Getty Pictures)
The primary time Nigeria confronted Ivory Coast on the Africa Cup of Nations was throughout the 1980 version in Nigeria.
It was the second match in Group A for the 2 groups that ended goalless.
Nigeria and Egypt then certified for the semi-finals, whereas Ivory Coast and Tanzania crashed out. Nigeria would win its first AFCON title.
Nigeria's first AFCON win in opposition to Ivory Coast got here within the 1990 version
Rashidi Yekini scored Nigeria's solely aim in opposition to Ivory Coast throughout the 1990 AFCON. Photograph: CAF
The primary time Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast on the AFCON was throughout the 1990 event in Algeria.
It was the third and last match in Group A for each groups, with the late Rashidi Yekini getting the one aim of the match as Nigeria gained 1-0.
Whereas the Nigerian crew certified for the semi-finals, hosts Algeria, Ivory Coast and Egypt have been eradicated within the group stage.
Ivory Coast's first AFCON win in opposition to Nigeria was in 2006
John Obi Mikel of Nigeria and Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast battle for the ball throughout the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Haras El Hedod Stadium on February 7, 2006 in Alexandria, Egypt. Credit score: AFP
The Ivory Coast Elephants needed to wait till the 2006 AFCON earlier than registering their first win in opposition to Nigeria within the competitors.
A second-half aim from Didier Drogba was sufficient to provide the Ivoirians a 1-0 victory and qualification for the ultimate, the place they misplaced on penalties to hosts Egypt.
Nigeria have registered extra wins in opposition to Ivory Coast of their AFCON encounters
Daniel Amokachi of Nigeria runs previous Guel Tchiressoua (proper) of Ivory Coast throughout the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on the Olympic Stadium in El Menzah, Tunisia on April 6, 1994. The match led to a 2–2 draw, however Nigeria gained 4-2 after penalties. Credit score: AFP
In six AFCON encounters, Nigeria has recorded three wins to Ivory Coast's two wins, with one match ending in a draw.
The three wins for Nigeria got here on the 1990, 1994 and 2013 AFCON tournaments.
For the Ivorians, their victories got here in opposition to Nigeria within the 2006 and 2008 editions.
The one draw between the 2 groups got here throughout the 1980 AFCON in Nigeria.
AFCON 2023 would be the fourth group stage between Ivory Coast and Nigeria
Nwankwo Kanu and Yaya Toure problem for the ball throughout the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Group B match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at Sekondi Stadium, Ghana. (Photograph AFP)
Earlier than Thursday's assembly, Ivory Coast and Nigeria had met thrice within the group stage of the AFCON.
The primary time each groups clashed within the group stage was in 1980, which ended goalless.
Each groups needed to wait till the 1990 event earlier than their paths crossed once more within the group stage, with Nigeria successful 1-0.
Ivory Coast then gained 1-0 within the group stage of the 2008 version in Ghana due to a solo effort from Salomon Kalou.
