African Nations Cup: Ivory Coast v Nigeria preview

Stephen Keshi: Feeling the pressure as Nigeria prepare to face Ivory Coast

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• Ivory Coast
• Nigeria

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi says the only pressure he feels ahead of the African Nations Cup quarter-final against Ivory Coast is due to the targets he sets for himself.

The Super Eagles are one of the tournament's underdogs, and Keshi knows a tough examination awaits against favourites Ivory Coast, who face a selection dilemma over whether they should start Didier Drogba or Lacina Traore up front.

Boubacar Barry, Yaya Toure and Gervinho are expected to return for a strong Elephants side after they were rested in the 2-2 draw against Algeria.

Keshi said: "I'm not under any pressure but I'm under Stephen Keshi's pressure, to do well for Nigerians.

"Any outside pressure does not exist with me. But I have my own targets and goals I want to achieve. Now if you want to call that pressure, that's pressure.

"We have our confidence. Nigerians have decided we are failures already but we will come out and show something quality about our game on Sunday."

Fedor Ogude is suspended for Nigeria but John Obi Mikel is available, while Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo is still not 100% fit after he picked up a knock in the opening match of the competition.

Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi is refusing to underestimate Nigeria as he believes they have been given a fresh start by reaching the last eight.

Lamouchi said: "We're into 'money time' you could say, there is no room for error, especially because we're facing a very good Nigeria side, the slightest error can be very costly.

"If you win, you continue the adventure; if you don't you have to go home so it's effectively a whole new tournament starting from now."

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