The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Thursday, January 18, defeated the host nation Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 to get back on track at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan.
The Super Eagles gained three points after a 55th-minute goal scored by the captain of the team – William Troost-Ekong from the penalty kick spot. This followed a foul on Victor Osimhen by Ousmane Diomande.
Before the spot kick was awarded, the Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed at the spot after checking from the pitch side monitor, following the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Troost-Ekong, a defender made sure the Ivorian goalkeeper stood no chance at all when he dispatched the earth-shaking shot.
In their Group A game at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium at Ebimpe near Abidjan, the Super Eagles held firm with a stoic display even as the Ivorians with the 12th player in the stand tried everything to level. It was not to happen.
The performance of the Super Eagles helped them to move up the standings to second from third in the group, and they now look good for second round qualification. Nigeria will now need, to advance to the second round, just a draw from their final group stage match on Monday when they face Guinea Bissau.
