Sebastian Haller remains an injury doubt for Ivory Coast ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations match against Nigeria....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The hosts made a strong start to their AFCON campaign, beating Guinea-Bissau in the tournament opener, but Nigeria have plenty of work to do in Group A after they were held to a draw by Equatorial Guinea.
Ivory Coast did not have Haller available last time out, with the Borussia Dortmund striker battling an ankle injury, and a late decision is likely to be made on his fitness. Brighton’s Simon Adingra was also absent against Guinea-Bissau, but could return to the squad against Nigeria.
Should Haller miss out, Jean-Philippe Krasso can be expected to lead the line again, having scored in his country’s opener.
As for Nigeria, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf was stretchered off against Equatorial Guinea and is a doubt for this match as a result.
Joe Aribo is the most likely option to come into the side should he be ruled out, while Samuel Chukwueze is also pushing to be named in the starting lineup after he was named on the bench in the Super Eagles’ first match.
Nigeria will once again turn to Victor Osimhen for inspiration, with the Napoli striker equalising to earn his side an opening draw.
Kelechi Iheanacho was an injury doubt heading into the tournament and was an unused substitute against Equatorial Guinea, but the forward has insisted he is fully fit and ready to feature.
Predicted Ivory Coast XI: Fofana, Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan, Kessie, Sangare, Fofana, Boga, Krasso, Adingra
Doubts: Haller, Adingra
Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Sanusi, Onyeka, Aribo, Iwobi, Simon, Lookman, Osimhen
Doubts: Yusuf
Time and date: 5pm BST on Thursday January 18 2024
Venue: Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan
TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports…CONTINUE READING>>
