Emerse Fae has prepared his Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire for the unexpected in the AFCON 2023 final against Nigeria's Super Eagles.
Cote d’Ivoire’s interim manager Emerse Fae says his side has learnt from their group stage defeat to Nigeria and will be ready for ‘tactical surprises’ in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the host nation and the Super Eagles are set to meet again in the grand finale of the AFCON 2023 and Fae is ready for the unexpected.
19:57 - 10.02.2024
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: José Peseiro confident Super Eagles will not be intimidated ahead of epic showdown
In a thrilling lead-up to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Super Eagles' head coach José Peseiro exudes confidence, undeterred by the electrifying atmosphere anticipated against Ivory Coast.
17:07 - 10.02.2024
Osaze Odemwingie to Super Eagles: It's time to make a name you can cruise forever
Osaze Odemwingie has backed the Super Eagles to beat Cote d'Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 final but wants more from the team offensively.
Fae on Nigeria and Super Eagles
Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire had met earlier in the tournament, with the Super Eagles sealing a historic 1-0 win against the Elephants thanks to a William Troost-Ekong penalty.
Nigeria’s Jose Peseiro appeared to have sprung a tactical surprise, switching his formation to a 5-4-1.
Ahead of their second meeting in the competition, Fae has admitted that they were caught off guard by the Portuguese’s tactical tweak in the clash.
But speaking on Saturday ahead of the continental final, the Ivorian insisted his team would be prepared for Nigeria to alter their system again.
"The main lesson from the group game is to expect the unexpected against Nigeria," Fae said per a daily post report.
"Last time we prepared for 4-4-2 and they played 5-4-1 so that took us aback. We have to be ready for tactical changes again."
“Tomorrow (today) as I said we are going to prepare looking at ourselves and try to challenge them, try to control the game, being patient in the beginning but focusing on our strengths.”
On plan for Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have gone from strength to strength during the tournament, becoming more solid in defence and dangerous in attack.
But the interim coach believes Ivory Coast can use the extra time they have had to rest and recover to their advantage.
"For us it's the opposite, we gained strength from the match against Senegal in the last 16," he added. "We will try to tire Nigeria out over 90 minutes."
Ivory Coast are aiming for their third AFCON title while Nigeria have won the tournament three times previously.
The Super Eagles edged past South Africa and Angola on their way to the final in Bimpe.
Related content
20:16 - 10.02.2024
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: 3 Reasons for Super Eagles to Fear Their AFCON 2023 Final Opponents
The Super Eagles beat Ivory Coast in the group stages, but will have to keep their guard up in the 2023 AFCON final
19:57 - 10.02.2024
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: José Peseiro confident Super Eagles will not be intimidated ahead of epic showdown
In a thrilling lead-up to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Super Eagles' head coach José Peseiro exudes confidence, undeterred by the electrifying atmosphere anticipated against Ivory Coast.
19:22 - 10.02.2024
AFCON 2023: CAF president Patrice Motsepe urges Nigeria to consider hosting World Cup
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has voiced his support for the idea of an African nation hosting the World Cup tournament in the future.
19:19 - 10.02.2024
AFCON 2023 final: Omah Lay tells West Ham star 1 thing that WILL happen if Nigeria defeats Ivory Coast
West Ham star Kurt Zouma recently caught up with Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Omah Lay ahead of AFCON 2023 final showdown.
18:07 - 10.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Vice President Kashim Shettima Leads Presidential Delegation to Ivory Coast for Final
Ahead of the highly anticipated African Cup Of Nations final clash between the Super Eagles and the Elephants of Ivory Coast, President Bola Tinubu has tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with leading a presidential team to Ivory Coast for the crucial match on Sunday.
17:07 - 10.02.2024
Osaze Odemwingie to Super Eagles: It's time to make a name you can cruise forever
Osaze Odemwingie has backed the Super Eagles to beat Cote d'Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 final but wants more from the team offensively.
15:36 - 10.02.2024
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Supercomputer predicts who will win AFCON 2023 final after 10,000 simulations
After computing 10,000 different scenarios, Opta's Supercomputer has predicted the winner of the 2023 AFCON final
15:31 - 10.02.2024
He is very powerful — Kolo Toure hails Super Eagles star ahead of AFCON final
Arsenal icon Kolo Toure has shared his thoughts ahead of the AFCON 2023 final between the Super Eagles and Ivory Coast.
14:53 - 10.02.2024
We are not a team of superstars — Troost-Ekong reveals secret to Super Eagles success at AFCON
Super Eagles of Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed the secret behind the country's successful showing at AFCON 2023 so far.
13:31 - 10.02.2024
English Club to Host AFCON 2023 Final watch along to honour Nigerian academy graduates
The former Premier League club will throw their doors open to host fans who want to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 AFCON
10:53 - 10.02.2024
Iwobi and Bassey: What Fulham boss said about Super Eagles stars reaching AFCON final
Fulham manager Marco Silva admits 'mixed feelings' after Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey reached the AFCON final with Nigeria's Super Eagles.
08:30 - 10.02.2024
PHOTOS: Ahmed Musa, Chukwueze, Iheanacho sweat it out as Super Eagles step up training for Ivory Coast
Nigeria's Super Eagles have stepped up their preparation ahead of the AFCON 2023 final against host nation Cote d'Ivoire.