Without a doubt the most interesting tie of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals will see title contenders Ivory Coast and Nigeria battle for one place in the semis.

Despite being widely considered as the best national team on African soil, the Elephants are still searching for only their second AFCON title, with the only triumph up to date achieved in 1992.

The fact has put an extra pressure on Sabri Lamouchi’s side that was quite evident in team’s opening fixture against Togo.

Ivory Coast, nonetheless, managed to record a very important win, before securing the first place in the group with a 3-0 win over Tunisia.

That allowed the boss to rest all his star players in the 2-2 draw against Algeria, which should give his side an extra edge over their next opponents.

After doing so well in group stages, the Elephants are 1.91 (10/11) with BetFred to win in regular time, while they are 2.20 (6/5) with Coral to go on and win the coveted title.

Having rested most of his starters in the final group game, Sabri Lamouchi is set to revert to his strongest line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Barry – Eboue, Zokora, Bamba, Tiene – Romaric, Tiote – Kalou, Y. Toure, Gervinho – Drogba.

Some other national team may have been happy with four third-place finishes at Africa Cup of Nations (2002, 2004, 2006, 2010), but not Nigeria.

The fans are demanding that the Super Eagles win their third AFCON title and anything less than the first place will be considered a failure.

Boss Stephen Keshi is all too aware of the nation’s expectations, but the players appear to be struggling to cope with the pressure.

Nigeria did qualify from one of the toughest groups at the tournament, but their performances have left a lot to be desired.

Stephen Keshi is, nonetheless, adamant his side can get past Ivory Coast, and the Super Eagles are 3.50 (5/2) with Ladbrokes to do so.

Starting midfielder Fegor Ogude misses out through suspension, but captain Joseph Yobo should return despite the reported clash with the coach.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Enyeama – Ambrose, Yobo, Oboabona, Echiejile – Igiebor, Mikel, Onazi – Moses, Emenike, Uche.

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