'We don't fear no one' - Alex Iwobi plays down Ivory Coast's pedigree ahead of massive game

Despite an underwhelming start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is confident Nigeria can pick up their first win in four competitive matches on Thursday when they face Ivory Coast in a massive game at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

Nigeria have little margin for error against the Elephants, given that they were forced to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening game in Group A. 

Iban Salvador gave the underdogs the lead in the 36th minute but African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen equalized two minutes later and missed a great opportunity to net the winning goal in the second half. 

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice) and Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) trained for the first time with their international teammates on Monday following their late arrival in camp. 

Iwobi believes Nigeria are well-equipped to face any team and has played down the Elephants pedigree. 

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after Sunday's game versus Equatorial Guinea, Iwobi revealed that the Super Eagles are looking for their first win of the tournament in their next match. 

"Right now we are going to rest and analyze the last game that they played yesterday. Of course they started off very well but we don't fear no one," Iwobi emphasized. 

"We are going to go to the game with confidence and hopefully be able to get a result."

In what was his 12th career appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, Iwobi was replaced by Paul Onuachu in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time as Nigeria searched for an unlikely winner. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com