AFCON 2023: “We know the strengths of Nigeria” – Ivory Coast coach says ahead of Super Eagles clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria played a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening AFCON Group A fixture in Ivory Coast.

Coach of the Ivorian National Football team, Jean Louis Gasset, has expressed that his side knows where the strength of the Super Eagles lie,  Soccernet.ng reports.

The Elephants of Cote D’ivoire defeated Guinea-Bissau in the opening group fixture, thanks to goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Seko Fofana. The Ivorians are currently top of Group A with three points.

The Ivorians are set to take on Jose Peseiro’s men on Thursday afternoon, with both sides hungry for all three points to gain further ground in their race for qualification.

With both sides set to lock horns, the Ivory Coast coach highlighted that he knows the strength of the Nigerian team, especially since they have the best African player in their squad.

“Regarding our second match, we know the strengths of Nigeria, they have an impressive offensive armada, they have the best African player in their squad, but against them, we will have to raise our cursor, and I know my players will do it because I know you had to win that first game to be released,” the 70-year-old French coach said.

Both teams have five African Cup of Nations trophies between them and are set for a scintillating clash at the Stade Olympique Ouattara on Thursday, with the hosts having the advantage of playing on home soil.