Ivory Coast vs Nigeria combined XI

The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium will host a mouthwatering clash between Ivory Coast vs Nigeria‘s Super Eagles. Both teams will battle it out in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A game, which is scheduled for Thursday January 18.

With that in mind, here's our Ivory Coast vs Nigeria combined XI:

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria combined XI

It's important to note that our combined XI is based on performances at this tournament alone.

Yahia Fofana

The Angers player made three saves in Ivory Coast's 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau. He has now kept three clean sheets in his last four appearances for the Elephants.

Ghislain Konan

Ghislain Konan was all over the place on Saturday. He had 88 touches on the ball in 90 minutes. The Al-Fayha player completed a whopping 57 of 68 passes (84%) in Ivory Coast's AFCON opener.

Semi Ajayi

With two clearances, two interceptions and a blocked shot, Semi Ajayi put up a solid performance last weekend. He also completed 82 percent of his passes (37/45).

Evan Ndicka

Granted, Evan Ndicka was booked on Saturday. However, he was calm and composed. The AS Roma defender touched the ball 95 times, and lost possession on just three occasions. Ndicka also had a near-perfect passing game, completing 84 of 87 passes (97%).

Ola Aina

Ola Aina also impressed in Nigeria's AFCON opener. The Nottingham Forest player won two of two aerial duels, and five of seven ground duels, whilst completing 24 of 31 passes and registering a shot on target.

Seko Fofana

Seko Fofana was directly involved in at least one goal in his last three appearances for club and country. The Al Nassr player also scored the opening game of AFCON 2023.

Frank Onyeka

With four tackles, a clearance and an interception, Frank Onyeka did more than his fair share against Equatorial Guinea. The Brentford midfielder contested seven ground duels, winning six of them.

Franck Kessie

Another player who was efficient with his passing, Franck Kessie lost possession just twice in 90 minutes. He completed 97 percent of his passes (38/39), providing an assist in the process. The former AC Milan player also completed three of three dribbles, whilst making a tackle and three interceptions.

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman provided the assist that put Nigeria's Super Eagles back on level terms with Equatorial Guinea. He now has five direct goal involvements in his last five matches.

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen caused all sorts of problems for Equatorial Guinea's defence on Sunday. Although he didn't capitalise on all his chances, the Napoli forward scored Nigeria's first and only goal in this competition.

Jean-Philippe Krasso

Jean-Philippe Krasso was directly involved in four goals in his last four appearances for Ivory Coast. He scored the second goal of the tournament last weekend.