Troost Ekong: Super Eagles Star Confident Ahead of Nigeria’s Tie With AFCON 2023 Host Ivory Coast

• William Troost-Ekong has aired his views ahead of Nigeria's second group game at the 2023 AFCON
• The three-time African champions will face the host nation, Ivory Coast, on Thursday evening
• Nigeria need a win against the Elephants to boost their chances of qualifying for the next round

Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong is confident ahead of Nigeria's second group game at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

On Thursday evening (January 18), the three-time champions will face the host nation at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.

They are still in search of their first win in the competition after playing out a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the opener.

Ahead of the clash against the Elephants, former Watford defender Troost-Ekong lamented about not getting the result they desired against the National Thunder, according to a report by Complete Sports.

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"We wanted to win the first game against Equatorial Guinea, but things did not go as planned. We have put that behind us, and the focus is now on the game against Ivory Coast," he said.

The Nigerian international admitted it would be a challenging game against the host nation, but he is confident the Super Eagles will get all three points.

"We have prepared the same way, but we hope to win this time. Coming up against the hosts is going be a big challenge for us," he added.

"There are a lot of experienced players in our team who have played in games like this in the past, so there is nothing to fear for us. It will be a tough game, but I am confident we will win."

Troost-Ekong started alongside West Brom star Semi Ajayi in the first game, and he is still in contention to start against Ivory Coast despite Jose Peseiro's claim of making changes in the second game.

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Musa: What to expect against Ivory Coast

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa disclosed what Nigerians should expect from him if he starts against the host nation Ivory Coast in the second group game.

The former Leicester City forward was on the bench throughout their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their AFCON 2023 opener.

The AFCON 2013 winner also aired his views ahead of the game on Thursday.