Nigeria: have made won the bronnze medal at each of the last five Africa Cup of Nations finals. The super eagles have won the African title just twice, first when they hosted the competition in 1980 and then again in 1994 under the tutelage of the Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof.

A star studded Nigerian side has been the hallmark of each of their past appearances but they have not been able to convert that quality into gold medals.

With an eye on Africa first-ever World Cup finals in 2010, Nigeria have bought in the German coach Berti Vogts to take charge of their current team, which includes some of the most exciting players on the continent.

The likes of Obafemi Martins and Nwankwo Kanu lead the attack with John Obi Mikel in the midfield and Taye Taiwo and Joseph Yobo in defence.

Cote d'Ivoire

The Elephants shocked many when they qualified for the first time for the Germany World Cup finals last year, leaving a proud Egypt swallowing down bitter disappointment.

However, the team has yet to prove its might on the African continent as it never wins a single African Nations Cup tournament.

The team does not lack talented players, including Kolo Toure, who has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the English Premiership. Not to mention Didier Drogba, the one that can change the course of a match.

Group B

21/01/08: Nigeria v Ivory Coast, Sekondi
21/01/08: Mali v Benin, Sekondi

25/01/08: Ivory Coast v Benin, Sekondi
25/01/08: Nigeria v Mali, Sekondi

29/01/08: Nigeria v Benin, Sekondi
29/01/08: vory Coast v Mali, Accra