Match Preview Nigeria v Cote d Ivoire

While one team seeks redemption for the past, another looks for affirmation for the future, when Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria play in the MTN Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Alexandria on Tuesday.

The Ivorians remain the last of Africa’s five World Cup representatives at the Nations Cup finals and are looking to move forward to the final as a confidence building exercise as they prepare for the World Cup finals in Germany later this year.

The Ivorians, led by the charismatic leadership of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, present one of Africa’s only real hopes of

a decent performance in Germany and much of their game plan in Egypt has been played out with one eye on the World Cup finals later this year.

Nigeria, on the other hand, make no bones about their desire for success in Egypt, in order to make up for the disappointments of recent Africa Cup of Nations, plus their failure to reach the World Cup finals.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen says this is a target they have uppermost in their mind as they prepare to play the Ivorians.

But he has also admitted Nigeria were fortunate to get through their last game, beating defending champions Tunisia on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in Port Said.

“Sometimes you need a little luck in tournaments like these and we have had luck to get through to the semifinals”.

Nigeria also have the luxury of a full squad again after the return from injury of midfielders Austin Okocha and Wilson Oruma.

But, ironically, both are likely to start on the bench again as Eguvoen continues his faith in teenager John Obi Mikel, fast making a name for himself at the tournament.

“I’m just happy to be playing and for us to keep winning,” said the 18-yer-old Obi Mikel after being named as the MTN Player of the Match in the quarter-final win over Tunisia.