Ivory Coast 0-0 Nigeria – Africa Cup of Nations: Live score, team news and updates as Victor Osimhen misses an early opening for the Super Eagles

That’s the Serge Aurier I know.

A needless foul out wide gives Nigeria a free kick in a dangerous position. Never change Serge.

It’s swung into the box and Semi Ajayi heads over via a hand.

Nigeria appeal for a penalty only it came off one of their own player’s hands.

Blimey, some hit from Seko Fofana.

He lines one up from a mile out and stings the palms of Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.

Nwabili pushes the ball back out into the danger zone, but the flag goes up as Ivory Coast regain the rebound.

Time for the first cooling break as the clock ticks over to 25 minutes played.

Some good intent from both sides so far, but still only that big chance for Victor Osimhen to shout about so far.

A brief stoppage in play after Zaidu Sanusi receives treatment after a challenge by Franck Kessie.

When play resumes it is end to end stuff.

Ademola Lookman creates a opportunity for the Super Eagles, but it is blocked behind for a corner.

A decent chance for the Ivory Coast following a free kick out wide.

Christian Kouame lays the ball back into the path of Evan Ndicka.

His half volley is straight into the gloves of Stanley Nwabili in the Nigeria goal.

Either side and that would have caused a problem.

Ivory Coast have had a couple of half chances from set pieces so far.

Nigeria have not looked comfortable so far dealing with balls into the box.

A first sight of goal for Victor Osimhen and it is a big chance!

The Nigeria star is played in behind the Ivory Coast defence, with Osimhen getting the other side of Serge Aurier.

His is stumbling as he hits his left foot shot which flies over the crossbar.

Osimhen wheels away in frustration.

He knows what a big chance that was…

A positive start from the Ivory Coast as they keep possession for a couple of minutes to calm a few nerves.

But it is Nigeria with their first foray fowards who get the first shot on goal.

The ball is cut back to Frank Onyeka on the edge of the Ivory Coast box.

His shot is wayward and is out for a goal kick.

Off we go in this high-profile Group A match!

A crackling atmosphere at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium as the two national anthems play ahead of kick-off.

Unsurprisingly the hosts anthem is greeted with gusto.

A huge roar from the supporters as the Ivory Coast’s anthem draws to a close.

Can the Ivory Coast live up to the crowds’ expectations.

Napoli star Victor Osimhen will be hoping to fire his side to a first win of the tournament after drawing their opening game.

Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and Chelsea in particular.

The £130m-odd rated striker has not been shy about his desire to move to the Premier League in the future.

But according to him, a move is not imminent.

Ivory Coast can secure a place in the knock-out stage with a win over Nigeria this afternoon.

The hosts beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their opening match of the tournament.

Victory would take the Ivory Coast above Equatorial Guinea to the top of the group.

Equatorial Guinea were 4-2 winners earlier today over Guinea Bissau, with Emilio Nsue scoring the first Africa Cup of Nations hat-trick since 2008.

Followed by an unforgettable celebration with team-mates.

More on that here…

Straight into the team news with around 20 minutes to go until kick-off in this Group A match.

Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana, Ndicka, Diomande, Konan, S. Fofana, Aurier, Sangare, Kessie, Kouame, Boga, Krasso

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

Afternoon everyone and welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog where we will be bringing you two matches from the African Cup of Nations.

First up it is hosts Ivory Coast against Nigeria, before Mohamed Salah’s Egypt face Ghana in another clash of two heavyweights.

Aftaernoon everyone and welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog where we will be bringing you two matches from the African Cup of Nations.