The Africa Cup of Nations final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast takes place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams had met in the group stage with the Super Eagles emerged as winner in Group A.

Since the Super Eagles defeated the Elephants earlier in the group stage, a lot has transpired.

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The hosts appear to be gathering steam ahead of the Abidjan final after overcoming hardship when it seemed all hope was lost.

Ivory Coast fans thought their team could make it to the final before AFCON 2023 started, but things weren’t the same for the Super Eagles, who went from being the underdogs to win the trophy to being the top-ranked team left in the competition after Egypt, Morocco, and defending champion Senegal eliminated them early from the knockout stages.

Even though the three-time winners had exceptional skill, there were concerns about Jose Peseiro’s club because of their lacklustre performances and playoff outcomes.

But in the tournament proper, the West African team has displayed a different side of themselves.

They created opportunities in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea but lost, changed their strategy to overcome Ivory Coast, and showed defensive cunning throughout their run through the knockout stages to get within striking distance of a fourth title.

The Elephants aim to end their two-game losing streak in the Cup of Nations in this West African rivalry to become the 12th hosts and first since Egypt in 2006 to win the title on home soil.

The Elephants lost their previous two meetings with Nigeria at AFCON 2013, which was ultimately won by the Super Eagles, and earlier at the ongoing finals.

Here is how both teams line up

Ivory Coast Starting XI

Fofana, Konan, Seri, Fofana, Kossounou, Kessie, Gradel, Aurier, Ndicka, Haller, Adingra

Nigeria Starting XI

Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Zaidu, Onyeka, Bassey, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen