AFCON 2023 Final: Nigerian Journalist Discloses What to Expect in Super Eagles Tie With Ivory Coast

• Nigeria are set to battle it out with Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday
• The host nation have been one of the most improved teams in the course of the tournament
• A Nigerian sports journalist has shared his thoughts on what to expect from both teams in the game

Nigerian sports journalist Chijioke Isaac Ezeali has disclosed what to expect in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles were victorious in their last encounter against the Elephants during the group stage, but the host nation has rejuvenated into another team entirely since Emerse Fae took over in the middle of the tournament.

Both teams had a contrasting journey to the final, but they must battle it out at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium to know who will be crowned the new kings of Africa.

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Ivory Coast faced defending champions Senegal, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Nigeria battled Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa on their way to the finals.

Sharing his thoughts ahead of the final, Ezeali told Sports Brief what could pan out between the Super Eagles and the Elephants later today (February 11).

"I'm expecting a tight game. A very close tactical battle with a very low scoreline, considering Ivory Coast have been to four finals and have failed to score in all and even more interesting is that they haven't conceded," he said.

"But they also have the experience of winning the AFCON twice, which would be an added motivation because they would want to equal the three AFCON titles by the Eagles."

Ezeali also aired his views on Jose Peseiro changing the way his team sets up in the competition ahead of the final.

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"It would be very risky to change how he sets up his team at this time. I think we would see the same setup, and hopefully, it would be enough to win on the day."

AFCON final: Musa downplays Ivory Coast resurgence

Sports Brief previously reported that Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has downplayed the resurgence of Ivory Coast ahead of the AFCON 2023 final on Sunday.

The former Leicester City forward is not bothered about the Elephants' form going into the final after both teams faced each other in the group stage.