The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated host Ivory Coast 1-0 in the second game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After wasting several chances against Equatorial Guinea in their opener and the hosts defeating Guinea-Bissau easily, the Super Eagles were not expected to claim all three points but defied logic.
Nigeria got off to a strong start in the second half and their persistence paid off when Ousmane Diomande kicked Victor Osimhen in the back of the leg as both challenged for the ball, giving away a penalty in the process.
Eagles skipper Troost-Ekong gave the team a lead after scoring the penalty won by CAF African Player of the year, Victor Osimhen in the 55th minute of the game.
Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabili pulled off three important saves in the first 45 minutes to keep his team in the match and was strong in the second, too, rushing out in a daring decision to kill off an Ivory Coast attack and protect his team’s lead. An impressive display from the 27-year-old.
The victory was made possible thanks to a brilliant team display and TheNewsDesk picks the best three Eagles that flew highest to humble the average Elephants.
William Troost-Ekong
The extra energy the 31-year-old did not expend against Equatorial Guinea was twice spent here, and the captain put it to the best use so far.
From the early exchanges in which he cleared an Ivorian attack, Troost-Ekong looked pumped up and he mopped up all around the five-man backline he organised to perfection for the duration of the match. He also brilliantly took the penalty that earned Nigeria the crucial 1-0 win. A true captain’s performance.
Calvin Bassey
The defender who can play across the defensive line was drafted in to tame the Ivorian attack and he executed it to perfection.
The Fulham defender stepped into midfield to silence Seko Fofana and co., while dropping into defence to stop the hosts’ attack. The utility man used all necessary tools in a bloodied performance.
Victor Osimhen
His early missed chance aside, Osimhen led the line alone brilliantly on a day the Super Eagles played a faux 3-4-3 that was 5-4-1 in reality.
He won the joint-highest aerial duels on the day and had high success on the ground too, leading to the match-winning penalty. The Napoli striker is writing a good story so far.
Nigeria has four points from two matches while Ivory Coast has three points.
Tournament hosts Ivory Coast will round off the group stage with a game against leaders Equatorial Guinea on January 22, when Nigeria also take on a Guinea-Bissau team sitting bottom of the table with two defeats.
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