Cote d’Ivoire head coach, Jean- Louis Gasset is expecting a difficult test against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria will face each other in one of the competition’s standout fixtures at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium on Thursday.
The two teams enjoyed contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures.
The Elephants defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0, while the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Despite Nigeria’s slow start, Gasset predicted the Super Eagles will make things difficult for his team.
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“Nigeria is a top team, they have good players, some of the best in Africa. You can’t judge them with the first game against Equatorial Guinea,” Gasset told a press conference in Abidjan on Wednesday.
“I think they struggled with the weather a bit in their first game. It’s not easy to play at 2pm here. Teams struggled even when they play in the evening, so you can imagine how difficult it was for them.”
“So, we are not going to judge them with the performance against Equatorial Guinea.
“It’s not going to be an easy game for us. They are a tough opponent and will make things difficult for us.”
