Super Eagles of Nigeria earned their first win of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations AFCON with a narrow but vital win over host, Ivory Coast on Thursday evening.
After missing the chance to pick all three points against Equatorial Guinea in their opening games, Nigeria faced an uphill task against the Elephants, who were perfect in the curtain raiser against Guinea-Bissau.
The match became a must-win for the Super Eagles after a Emilio Nsue hat-trick inspired Equatorial Guniea to a 4-2 win over Guinea-Bissau, leaving Nigeria third in Group A ahead of kickoff.
The host dominated the game but Nigeria did have a chance to take the lead very early in the game. Unfortunately, Victor Osimhen could only fire over the crossbar after being played through on goal by Samuel Chukwueze, with only the Goalkeeper to beat.
Less than a minute later, Christian Kouamé missed a good chance to give the host the lead, forcing a brilliant save off Stanley Nwabali after a misjudged header by Zaidu Sanusi.
Evan Ndica was set-up in the area by Kouame but the Roma defender could only hit a volley straight at Nigeria Goalkeeper, who made a convincing save off it.
Seko Fofana tried one from distance just after the half-hour mark but his effort was pushed away by Nwabali. The Goalkeeper was also relieved by the linesman flag and a Sanusi block to deny Kouamé on the follow up.
Six minutes after the restart, Victor Osimhen won a penalty on the end of a promising move by Nigeria’s contingent. Ousmane Diomande was the culprit as his he could only kick the leg of the Napoli striker.
Referee pointed to the spot, after consulting the VAR and captain William-Troost Ekong stepped up to convert the penalty, with a powerful shot down the middle, whilst Ivorian Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana had dived to his left.
It ended 1-0 in favour of Super Eagles, who responded sensationall to the draw in their opening game. It does open the door for them to finish as Group A winner in the AFCON.
The win could also kickstart what might be a successful AFCON for the Super Eagles as they have gone on to win the tournament in the previous two times they have faced and beat Ivory Coast in it.
Up next for Super Eagles is Guinea-Bissau, who are yet to record a point and has conceded six goals after two AFCON games so far. A win will take them to seven points, which will give the Jose Peseiro’s side the chance to finish as group winner.
Ivory Coast takes on Equatorial Guniea, who has shown they will not be pushover by any nation and has are near a place in the knockout round.
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