By RegentAfrica Times, 18 January 2024
William Troost-Ekong’s penalty earned the Super Eagles a crucial win over host Ivory Coast Thursday in Group A in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The victory has given the Super Eagles a huge step towards reaching the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match’s key moment came in the 55th minute after Ousmane Diomande caught Victor Osimhen in the box.
That allowed William Troost-Ekong to blast home from the penalty spot.
Roared on by a raucous crowd, the Ivorians pushed hard for an equaliser but failed to create a clear chance against a solid Super Eagles defence.
Nigeria leapfrog the Elephants to go second in Group A and are behind leaders Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday, on head-to-head record.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen was named Man of the Match following Nigeria’s victory against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Osimhen was in action for 88 minutes before he was replaced by Paul Onuachu.
The 25-year-old has scored one goal in two games at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Super Eagles, the three-time champions now occupy second position in Group B with four points from two games.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in their final group game next Tuesday.
