Christopher Opéri #13

Profile

Opéri travels to North America as a late replacement for Clément Akpa, who had to pull out of Emerse Faé’s 26-man squad owing to a thigh injury. Opéri, a 29-year-old left-back, made his international debut two years ago but hasn’t been able to establish himself. He was included in last December’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but featured in just one game – the last group game against Gabon. However, he has the sort of attributes you would expect from a modern full-back, knowing how to defend and get forward in equal measure. He can also deliver a high-quality cross into the box or pick a teammate out with a cutback. “There’s a positive pressure,” he has said about playing for Côte d’Ivoire. “With the supporters, you get the sense that there’s a real fervour behind us.” After winning promotion to Ligue 1 with Le Havre, Opéri has been in the Turkish capital since last summer.

Key stats