As the anticipation builds, echoing through the stadium and resonating in the hearts of football enthusiasts across Africa, the imminent clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria in Group A of AFCON 2023 is set to be nothing short of a breathtaking spectacle.

This high-voltage encounter, enriched with historical significance and fueled by the exceptional talent of both teams, is poised to captivate audiences and etch another chapter in the annals of their football rivalry.

Before the opening whistle, here are fascinating facts about the clash of these giant rivals:

1. The two teams have faced each other 27 times across all competitions since 1967, with Nigeria leading the head-to-head record with a narrow 9-8 lead, and ten games have ended in draws.

2. Both teams have two wins each in the last four meetings, with Nigeria winning the latest encounter in 2015.

3. The last AFCON clash was in the 2013 quarter-finals, with Nigeria winning 2-1 and eventually securing their third title.

4. Host nations have lost only one of their last 38 group-stage games at the Africa Cup of Nations.

5. The first AFCON game between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria occurred in 1980, ending in a goalless draw.

6. Nigeria’s first AFCON win against Côte d’Ivoire was at the 1990 edition, with Rashidi Yekini scoring the only goal.

7. Côte d’Ivoire secured their first AFCON win against Nigeria in 2006 with a 1-0 victory with a goal from Didier Drogba.

8. In six AFCON meetings, Nigeria has had three wins, Côte d’Ivoire has had two wins, and one game ended in a draw.

9. AFCON 2023 marks the fourth group stage meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, with previous encounters in 1980, 1990, and 2008.

10. Nigeria’s captain, Christian Chukwu, lifted the African Cup of Nations trophy after his team’s 3-0 victory in 1980.

11. Nigeria’s maiden AFCON title was secured after defeating Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt at the 1980 edition.

12. The first AFCON win for Nigeria against Côte d’Ivoire happened at the 1990 tournament in Algeria, with Rashidi Yekini scoring the decisive goal.

13. In six AFCON meetings, Nigeria has more wins (3) against Côte d’Ivoire than vice versa (2), with one match ending in a draw.

14. The 1994 AFCON semi-final encounter between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire ended in a 2-2 draw, but Nigeria emerged victorious 4-2 on penalties.

15. The most recent AFCON clash between the two teams was in the 2013 quarter-finals, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory.

16. Ahead of the 2023 AFCON meeting, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria had previously clashed three times in the group stage, with encounters in 1980, 1990, and 2008.