The Ivory Coast, winners in 2002, take on a Nigeria side who have not won the tournament since 1994.
Elephants looking to ground the Super Eagles
The Ivory Coast, winners in 2002, take on a Nigeria side who have not won the tournament since 1994.
The Ivory Coast also finished as runners-up at the 2006 event and will be looking to go one better this time around.
Nigeria are well fancied for the title as well though and have a strong squad which is more than capable of going all the way if they play to their potential.
A game which could feature as many as 16 English-based players is likely to decide who comes out on top in Group B with both sides expected to pick up maximum points against the other two teams in the group, Mali and Benin.
The two nations met at the semi-final stage of this competition two years ago, when a Didier Drogba goal just after half-time was enough to see the Ivory Coast book a final appearance against the hosts Egypt.
Vogts' choices
Portsmouth duo Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka are expected to be joined by Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins in the Nigeria forward line, while Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etuhu, Chelsea's Jon Obi Mikel and Everton defender Jospeh Yobo will be hoping to keep the Ivory Coast at bay.
Watford's Danny Shittu and Wolves midfielder Seyi Olofinjana could also feature for Berti Vogts' side at some stage.
Stielke options
Ivory Coast manager Ulrich Stielke is expected to include Arsenal pair Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue at the back, and Chelsea strike duo Drogba and Salomon Kalou up front in his first XI.
Tottenham's Didier Zokora could be joined in a three-man midfield by Barcelona's Yaya Toure and Reading's Emerse Fae as the Elephants look to get off to the perfect start against one of their main rivals for the title.
