Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 55th minute to give his team a crucial victory over Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The Super Eagles moved to second place in Group A with four points, behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference, while the Elephants dropped to third with three points.
The match at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan was a tense affair, with both teams defending well and creating few clear chances. Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen had the best opportunity of the first half, but he blasted his shot over the bar from close range.
The game changed in the second half, when Osimhen was fouled by an Ivory Coast’s defender inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot after an VAR review and Troost-Ekong stepped up to convert the penalty with a high shot into the middle sending the goal keeper in the wrong way.
Ivory Coast tried to respond, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was alert to deny Pepe.
Nigeria also had some chances to double their lead, but Samuel Chukwueze failed to find the target or picking the right man in the box
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans, who celebrated their first win over Ivory Coast since 2013.
The Super Eagles will hope to maintain their momentum when they face Equatorial Guinea in their next match on Sunday, while the Elephants will look to bounce back in a must win match against Equatorial Guinea.
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