AFCON 2023: Kelechi Iheanacho and Nigeria Ready to Take On Ivory Coast

• Nigeria face Ivory Coast in their next Africa Cup of Nations match
• They drew 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their first match
• Kelechi Iheanacho is positive ahead of the huge showdown on Thursday

Nigeria made a shaky start in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. They were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea and face hosts Ivory Coast in a monumental showdown.

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho missed the first game, but he is optimistic ahead of their clash with hosts Ivory Coast.

Jose Peseiro's side dominated possession against Equatorial Guinea but couldn't breach their resolute defence. Victor Osimhen had a chance to grab the winner for his team in the second half but inexplicably missed.

Peseiro said his team deserved to win the game.

"I am not happy. I deserved to win, this draw doesn't suit us. Our team created a lot of chances but we didn't score. We hope that next time, even with fewer opportunities, we will score. We simply have to improve our finishing,” via CAF.

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Meanwhile, the Elephants registered a comfortable 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on the opening day, but their performance was not as impressive as many expected, per Africa News.

These two sides are considered favourites and boast some of the continent's best players, so Thursday's encounter could be a cracker.

Iheanacho previews Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief, the Leicester City star said they are ready to face the 2015 champions despite receiving heavy criticism after their draw vs Equatorial Guinea.

He said they are ready to take on the hosts but is wary of their threat.

"I was gone for a while, but now I'm ready. In the first game, we had a lot of chances and played really well. We'll take that into the next game and be ready and prepare for them." he said.

"We have a strong team and a strong squad so we can beat them but we have to be ready because they're a strong team as well. We have to take our chances...it won't be an easy game."

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Nigeria can't afford to lose that game because a win against Guinea-Bissau is not guaranteed.

Iwobi on Nigeria draw vs Equatorial Guinea

After the match, Nigeria star Alex Iwobi also exclusively spoke to Sports Brief about the frustrating draw with Equatorial Guinea.

The Fulham forward said they created chances, but it was one of those days. Jose Peseiro's side face hosts Ivory Coast in their next match.

"We're all disappointed. It's just one of those days. We had the opportunities, but we didn't take them, and on another day, they go in, but today wasn't meant to be."