2023 AFCON: Everything you need to know about Super Eagles’ Group A opponents 

The Super Eagles face strong opponents right away in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group.

 

Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau will each pose challenges for the Super Eagles in Group A when the tournament kicks off on the 13th of January 2024.

 

Two-time champions Ivory Coast boasts stars like Sebastian Haller and Franck Kessie that will test Nigeria’s defense and midfield quality.

 

Their squad is filled with talent and experience. Beating them requires Nigeria’s best performance.  

 

Equatorial Guinea is not at Ivory Coast’s level talent-wise, but plays well organized as a team. Their work rate and athleticism allow them to compete against more skilled squads.

 

Keeping them off the scoresheet starts with limiting playmaker Pedro Obiang’s influence.

 

Guinea-Bissau are defensively minded and rely on physicality over flair in attack. Powerful shot-stopper Jonas Mendes and emerging talent Mauro Rodrigues must be contained from set pieces. Nigeria will need composure to break them down.

 

Getting out of this diverse group demands Nigeria overcome West African royalty in Ivory Coast, stifle Equatorial Guinea’s intensity, and solve Guinea-Bissau’s rugged approach. Managing these unique threats will prove Nigeria’s championship mentality. 

 

Here are key things you need to know about Nigeria’s group opponents.

 

1.Ivory Coast

 

Key Players: Sebastian Haller, Franck Kessie, Serge Aurier 

 

Strengths: Abundance of talent spearheaded by former Eredivise star Haller, strong record in AFCON tournaments with 2 championships

 

Weaknesses: Lack cohesion with constant manager turnover, concerns over aging core group

 

AFCON Record: Champions in 2015 and 1992, Runners Up in 2006 and 2012

 

2: Equatorial Guinea 

 

Key Players: Pedro Obiang, Pablo Ganet, Emilio Nsue

 

Strengths: Cohesive tactical setup under longtime coach Juan Micha, collective work rate and athleticism 

 

Weaknesses: Lack standout individual talents compared to Africa’s elite

 

AFCON Record: Best finish was semifinals in 2015 as tournament co-hosts

 

3. Guinea-Bissau

 

Key Players: Jonas Mendes, Mama Samba Balde, Mauro Rodrigues.

 

Strengths: Organized defensively and on set pieces using height in the box

 

Weaknesses: Toothless in attack, overly reliant on physicality over technique 

 

AFCON Record: Debuted in 2017. Group stage exits in debut year, 2019 and 2021.

 

 

Ejim Kaycee

 

 

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