Super Eagles Stun Hosts, Ivory Coast To Brighten Hopes Of Qualification For Knock-Out Stage
The Super Eagles of Nigeria earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over host nation, Ivory Coast in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Thursday night.
Jose Peseiro’s men bounced back impressively from the disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday to secure the maximum points.
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The Portuguese manager opted for Calvin Bassey in the defensive midfield after Alhassan Yusuf missed the game due to injury.
Samuel Chukwueze also started ahead of Moses Simon on the flanks, while Ademola Lookman provided the support cast for Victor Osimhen.
The encounter was an end to end affair in the first half with both sides probing for the opening goal, but it ended 0-0.
The Super Eagles started the second half with intent and purpose and deservedly found joy just after the restart.
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Troost-Ekong scored from the spot after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box in the 55th minute to give Nigeria the lead and ultimately the maximum points.
In the other Group A game, Equatorial Guinea recorded a comfortable 4-2 win over Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles are now in the second position behind Equatorial Guinea with the same four points, while Ivory Coast occupies the third position.
Up next for Nigeria is a clash against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.
