Verdict: Nigeria to win trophy
Finest Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With all eyes falling on Abidjan this weekend, host nation Ivory Coast will meet Nigeria on Sunday night time for the 2024 AFCON Ultimate.
Nigeria
Beginning with Nigeria, after watching a number of African heavyweights crash out on the group stage final month, the Tremendous Eagles have actually been fancying their likelihood of creating historical past this yr. Ultimately edging their well past South Africa on Wednesday night time after what was a outstanding showdown in Bouake, Jose Peseiro’s males have acquired loads of reward over the previous few weeks. Though the three-time AFCON champions might need opened their journey with a 1-1 stalemate in opposition to Equatorial Guinea on January 14th, Nigeria have come roaring again. Together with a quarter-final assertion as they landed a 2-0 win in opposition to historic rivals Cameroon, the Greens have received all of their earlier 5 appearances. Likewise, claiming a 1-0 victory after they met the Ivory Coast whereas in Group A motion on January 18th, the previous Porto boss shall be dreaming of a repeat efficiency right here.
Workforce Information
Each avoiding what would have been a pricey reserving in opposition to South Africa earlier within the week, the defensive duo of Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey will begin on the again on Sunday night time. AC Milan star Samuel Chukwueze should accept one other spot on the bench.
Though Napoli celebrity Victor Osimhen might need didn’t bag a single AFCON strike this yr, the 25-year-old will definitely have a number one position to play right here. Spearheading Nigeria’s cost over the previous few weeks and receiving a string of plaudits, Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman will as soon as once more associate Osimhen within the remaining third.
Ivory Coast
As for the Ivory Coast, after enduring a public group stage nightmare final month, few would have anticipated to see the host nation compete for a 3rd AFCON crown on Sunday night time. Shockingly parting methods with Jean-Louis Gasset earlier than their knockout stage spot was confirmed, caretaker boss Emerse Fae has executed an astonishing job of bettering the temper of their camp. Springing a significant upset on January twenty ninth as they secured a well-known penalties victory in opposition to African giants Senegal, the Elephants are within the midst of a outstanding AFCON fairytale. Having fun with a celebration environment earlier within the week as they finally clawed their technique to a 1-0 win in opposition to D.R. Congo, the Ivory Coast will undoubtedly be backed by an emotional residence help on Sunday night time. Nonetheless, hit with that 1-0 loss after they met Nigeria throughout their downbeat Group A run final month, Fae’s facet will face one other stern examination right here.
Workforce Information
After serving a one-match suspension in opposition to D.R. Congo earlier within the week, Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou might make a full return on Sunday night time. Placing in a standout efficiency in midweek, Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly will associate Roma defender Evan Ndicka on the again.
Bagging what was a well-known semi-final winner on Wednesday night time, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller ought to preserve his position spearheading Fae’s cost. Regardless of failing to notch a single AFCON strike over the previous few weeks, one-time Leeds star Max Gradel will be part of Haller within the remaining third.
Key Components to Think about
When Nigeria and the Ivory Coast met for his or her Group A showdown on January 18th, the Tremendous Eagles picked up a 1-0 victory.
Nigeria have suffered only a single defeat from any of their earlier 14 straight appearances throughout all competitions.
The Ivory Coast have managed to win simply one in all their earlier 5 AFCON appearances inside 90 minutes.
The Tremendous Eagles have conceded only a single aim in over 500 minutes of AFCON motion.
The entire earlier 4 conferences between Sunday’s finalists have completed with underneath 2.5 targets.
Conclusion
Whereas the Ivory Coast may be on the coronary heart of a surprising AFCON fairytale, Sunday’s host nation will face a stern examination right here. Though the Elephants may be backed by an emotional residence help this weekend, Fae’s squad shall be anxious by their Group A showdown in opposition to Nigeria. With the three-time AFCON champions touchdown a 1-0 victory when the 2 sides met on January 18th, we expect the Tremendous Eagles to make extra historical past in Abidjan.
Verdict: Nigeria to win trophy
Finest Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet