When both sides met in the group stage, Nigeria ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Troost-Ekong penalty. The Ivory Coast dominated possession and had more shots on goal but Nigeria's resilience at paid off.

The Ivorian side that Nigeria faces come Sunday is a much changed one to the previous. It's a team that has broken free of its shell. If before the home crowd made the Elephants nervous, now it plays the role of the 12th man. We saw Senegal, Mali and DR Congo melt in the heat.

We may talk of Nigeria's compactibility but mind you this Ivorian side has given very little away in the knockout phase, conceding only 2 big chances in 3 games. That's less than the 4 Nigeria has conceded in 3 knockout phase games. The Ivorian team gets better each passing game and they seem to be more clinical than before. The game against DR Congo became their first in which they took the lead and the first in which they kept a clean sheet since the opening day of play.

The Super Eagles could be sho.o.ting themselves in the leg if they sit back. No matter how tight their defence is, the noise in the Ebimpe Stadium could just be enough to get the hosts over the line. As we saw against South Africa, Nigeria can concede chances.

It also looks like the sort of game Victor OSIMHEN will have to do more than just being a hardworking team player and actually take up more responsibility.

All the same, it will be a very tough fixture for both sides and it will make a great watch.

How do you see this playing out?

Universal blog.


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i agree with you

By the grace of God our luck will still shine. Luck is very important in a successful life.

They have an Osimhen in their #24!!!!!!!!

Zxcvbnmghtr:
By the grace of God our luck will still shine. Luck is very important in a successful life.

Zebulum luck is good but work hard o 😁