The day has come! On Sunday, February 11, Nigeria and Ivory Coast will clash in the AFCON final, and after 90 or maybe 120 minutes, only one side will be celebrating.
Nigeria – 2.75
Draw – 2.68
Ivory Coast – 3.00
Nigeria
In the semi-final against South Africa, Nigeria were acting cautiously. It took them more than an hour to win a penalty and open the scoring.
Most fans expected Nigeria to put the game to bed but South Africa thought differently and equalised in the 90th minute. Moreover, they could have created a sensation but Khuliso Mudau managed to miss in front of an empty goal.
Eventually, the game went to the penalties and that was where Nigeria were way better, converting four spot-kicks and conceding only twice.
Ivory Coast
Everyone wrote Ivory Coast off after the 0-4 humiliation against Equatorial Guinea but they changed the manager and got to the final eliminating tough opponents and firm favourites.
Sebastien Haller scored his first goal at this AFCON playing against Congo but what an important strike that was!
Now, they need to make the last step and their opponent is one of the best teams in Africa. The home support is going to be insane and emotions will be going over the top - sometimes, in games like these, it's a decisive factor.
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Facts to know
Ivory Coast have reached the AFCON final for the fourth time in the 21st century: only Egypt have been there more often (5).
In AFCON history, Nigeria have scored 13 penalty goals: only Ghana have scored more (14).
For Nigeria, it will be their eighth cup final.
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Prediction and betting tip
Ivory Coast will be enjoying huge support from home fans but Nigeria look a better side nonetheless. They are more balanced and stronger in every area.
The game can easily go to the extra-time or penalties and if it happens, Nigeria's goal looks in safer hands as well.
Our betting tip: Nigeria to win (Yesplay odds – 1.83)
