The Super Eagles recorded a vital victory over fierce rivals Côte d’Ivoire in a highly anticipated clash of Titans in Group A on Thursday.
William Troost-Ekong’s second half penalty earned the Super Eagles maximum points and send them joint top of Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea with 4 points.
The atmosphere at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium was electric and pregnant with anticipation of a classic in the offing.
Both teams were looking to collect maximum points especially with Equatorial Guinea’s win against Guinea-Bissau in the other Group A match.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen was the main focal point of attack for the Super Eagles with Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman providing the support.
A chance did present itself to Osimhen in the first half. The Napoli man was out through on goal but his effort sailed over the goal.
On the other end Côte d’Ivoire’s Marksman Seko Fofana stung the gloves of Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabili.
Both teams went into the break tied goalless.
Nigeria got a break through 10 minutes from the restart with Osimhen winning a penalty. The captain Troost-Ekong stepped up and converted the spot kick without any qualms.
The hosts could not find the equalizer as Nigeria held in for a vital win. This is their first win over Côte d’Ivoire on Ivorian soil for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles will now face Guinea-Bissau on Monday with Côte d’Ivoire taking on Equatorial Guinea on the same day with both matches played simultaneously.
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