AFCON final odds: Nigeria narrow favourites to beat hosts Ivory Coast

Nigeria only edged past South Africa on penalties in the semi-finals, but are still slight favourites to overcome hosts Ivory Coast in the AFCON final.

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Three-time winners of the competition - in 1980, 1994 and 2013 - Nigeria have been consistently strong throughout this year's tournament, conceding just two goals on their way to the final.

Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro has assembled a disciplined yet spirited Super Eagles side, adopting a 3-4-3 formation which has suited the players at his disposal, and Nigeria have proven a difficult team to beat.

Talisman Victor Osimhen has provided an effective focal point up front if at times wasteful in front of goal - notching just once in the tournament - while captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman have also been key figures.

Nigeria's meeting with Ivory Coast will remarkably be the second time the pair have faced each other in the competition, with the Super Eagles having defeated the tournament hosts 1-0 in the group stages courtesy of a penalty from skipper Troost-Ekong.

Ivory Coast have experienced a tumultuous tournament to say the very least, with ex-manager Jean-Louis Gasset sacked after losing two of three group stage games - including a 4-0 hammering against Equatorial Guinea - before the Elephants ended up sneaking through to the knockout rounds in third place.

Emerse Fae has been installed as interim manager, and Ivory Coast have managed to rally in the knockout rounds with successes over the much fancied Senegal, Mali and DR Congo to set up a hotly anticipated final against Nigeria.

Midfielders Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana have impressed in the engine room, with this Ivory Coast side perhaps feeling as if fate is on their side as they bid to secure the most sensational of AFCON triumphs in front of their home supporters.
 

bet365 News Team

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