Emerse Fae: What Cote d'Ivoire boss has learnt about Nigeria ahead of AFCON final

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. 

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.”

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.