In a highly anticipated Group A clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Nigeria emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The match was settled by a second-half penalty, converted by captain William Troost-Ekong after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande on Victor Osimhen.
With this win, Nigeria now moves ahead of Ivory Coast in the standings, with both teams tied on four points along with Equatorial Guinea, who secured a 4-2 victory over Guinea Bissau earlier in the day.
[ Bafana Bafana Defeated 2-0 By Mali In Afcon First Match ]
The hosts currently have three points. The encounter between these two West African heavyweights was characterized by physical battles and limited clear-cut chances.
The young Ivorian defender, Diomande, was found to have impeded Osimhen in the penalty area, resulting in the awarded spot-kick.
Troost-Ekong confidently struck the ball down the middle to secure the victory for Nigeria. The Super Eagles displayed a strong defensive performance, employing a five-man backline that effectively contained the home team’s attacking threats.
Nigeria also posed a greater threat in the attacking third, with Osimhen squandering an early opportunity to take the lead.
During the first half, Christian Kouame came closest to scoring for the hosts, but his effort was blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. As the match progressed, Ivory Coast seemed to lose energy and failed to mount a significant challenge against the Super Eagles.
Despite nine minutes of stoppage time, the hosts never looked likely to break down Nigeria’s resolute defense. This victory marks Nigeria’s first win in the Ivory Coast in ten attempts.
Despite this defeat, Ivory Coast remains in a favorable position to advance in the tournament, having already secured three points from their opening match against Guinea Bissau, which they won 2-0.
Their final group game will be against Equatorial Guinea on Monday. Nigeria, on the other hand, will face Guinea Bissau in their last group-stage match, also on Monday. Both matches will be held in Abidjan, albeit in different stadiums across the city.
In another Group B clash later on Thursday, Egypt and Ghana were set to play their final match of the day at the tournament. The Africa Cup of Nations continues to showcase the talent and competitiveness of African football, with teams vying for glory and the opportunity to lift the prestigious trophy.
As the tournament progresses, the performances of teams like Nigeria and Ivory Coast will undoubtedly captivate fans and enthusiasts alike. The Africa Cup of Nations serves as a platform for showcasing the footballing prowess of the continent and uniting nations through the beautiful game.
Catch up with the latest news from The Times Post on WhatsApp by following our channel. Click here to join.
