Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka expects the Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire to be an intense and engaging match.

Onyeka foresees a challenging encounter as both teams vie for a crucial victory in the group stage.

The upcoming match holds significant importance for both Nigeria and Ivory Coast, the former currently occupying the third position in Group A with one point from the opening match.

Speaking to reporters in Abidjan, Onyeka stressed the familiarity of many Super Eagles players with their Ivorian counterparts due to shared experiences in European football.

“I know it is not going to be an easy game, but it is going to be an interesting game,” the midfielder stated.

“Most of (us) play against those guys in Europe. Ibrahim Sangaré plays for Nottingham Forest. I watched him, played against him. Franck Kessié played for AC Milan before he went to Saudi Arabia.

“The only person I really do not know is Seko Fofana. These are players that play in Europe, big leagues, so most of us know them really well.

“I know it is not going to be an easy game but it is going to be an interesting game.”