Nigeria’s Super Eagles survived a surge of late attacks to earn a shock 1-0 win over AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast.
Despite little optimism going into the match, the Super Eagles were able to overcome incredible odds to earn their first-ever win away at Ivory Coast.
Captain-for-the-day, William Troost-Ekong, scored the all-important goal of the game from the penalty spot to give the Super Eagles a deserved victory following a dogged display in defence.
The Ivorians were on the front foot early in the game as expected but were almost stunned when Victor Osimhen was played through on goal, but the Napoli forward was unable to keep his effort on target.
Ivory Coast came close to taking the lead when Christian Kouame capitalized on an error by Zaidu Sanusi and forced Stanley Nwabali into a good save with his body.
The second half started off level, and the Super Eagles were gifted an opportunity to take the lead as Osimhen was fouled in the box by Sporting CP youngster Ousmane Diomande.
Osimhen received a brilliant pass from Alex Iwobi, bringing the ball down with his chest before getting kicked by Diomande.
Captain-for-the-day, William Troost-Ekong, stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead against the hosts.
After the goal, Nigeria dropped back and set up to hit Ivory Coast on the break, and they were nearly rewarded for this strategy with a goal when Osimhen headed just wide of goal from an Ola Aina throw-in.
The hosts continued to pressure Nigeria, peppering Nwabali’s goal with shot after shot, but the Chippa United goalkeeper held his own against the hosts.
The win leaves the Super Eagles on four points and second behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference as they have now almost certainly booked passage into the second round of the competition.
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