AFCON: Super Eagles Stun The Elephants Of Ivory Coast After 11 years

William Troost-Ekong 55 minutes penalty was enough for Super Eagles as they defeated the host Nation, Ivory Coast by 1-0.

The cagey encounter was played at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe in Abidjan on Thursday, where the Eagles took charge and repeated the February 6th 2013 victory in the 2013 African Cup Of Nation.

The two sides came with their game plan in the encounter produced minimal chances in the first half.

But it was Nigeria who had a chance from Victor Osimhen and missed the chance on goal.

The hosts also had the chance with Nwabali equalled to it as the first half ended 0-0.

After the restart of the second half 2023 African King “Victor Osimhen” was kicked by Ousmane Diomande in the box but referee waves plan on.

The intervention of VAR put light to the scene as penalty was awarded to Nigeria.

Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up to score, placing the ball in the center of the goal to give Nigeria the lead in the 55 minutes in front of the mammoth Elephant fans.

The hosts came on gun blazing to search for an equalizer as their manager made several changes upfront but Nigeria remained resolute at the back defended with their heart and soul.

But it was a nervy end as the fourth official signaled 9 minutes of additional time but the host nation failed to score as Super Eagles stood disciplined at the back to seal the victory against the hosts nation.

The victory for the Super Eagles has thrown the group A wide open with Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria having 4 points apiece with the hosts with 3 points going into the last group game.

Equatorial Guinea defeated Guinea Bissau by 4-2 earlier on Thursday.

Ivory Coast will take on Guinea Bissau while Nigeria will lock horn with Equatorial Guinea in the last game of the Group A.

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Odetunde Michael Sunday is a Journalist of his generation. He combines the talent and ability of Print, Online and Broadcast Journalist in a rare manner.

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