Nigeria secured a crucial victory over hosts Ivory Coast in a tense encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday. The Super Eagles scored the only goal of the match from a penalty in the second half, after a VAR review confirmed a foul on striker Victor Osimhen.
The win puts Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, as they are level on points with Equatorial Guinea at the top of Group A. Both teams have four points from two games, while Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau have one point each.
The match was played in front of a packed crowd of nearly 50,000 fans at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast. The home supporters created a lively atmosphere, cheering on their team and booing the Nigerian players.
However, the Super Eagles were not intimidated by the hostile environment and showed resilience and determination to overcome their opponents. Nigeria had the better chances in the first half, with Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze testing the Ivorian goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo.
The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when Osimhen was brought down by defender Ousmane Diomande in the box. The referee initially waved play on, but after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), he awarded a penalty to Nigeria. Captain William Troost-Ekong calmly slotted the ball past Gbohouo, sending him the wrong way.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans, while the Ivorians were left stunned and frustrated. The Elephants tried to respond but found it hard to break down the solid Nigerian defense, led by Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun.
The Super Eagles also had some opportunities to extend their lead but were denied by Gbohouo and the woodwork. In the end, they held on to claim a historic win over their rivals, who had beaten them in the quarter-finals of the 2013 AFCON, the last time Nigeria won the trophy.
The result means that Nigeria only needs a draw in their final group game against Guinea-Bissau on Monday to secure their place in the last 16. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation against Equatorial Guinea, who defeated Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday.
Nigeria’s coach Gernot Rohr praised his team for their performance, saying they showed character and discipline. He also commended the use of VAR, which he said helped to ensure a fair outcome.
Ivory Coast’s coach Patrice Beaumelle expressed his disappointment with the result but said he was proud of his players for their effort and spirit. He said he was confident that they could bounce back and qualify for the next round.
The 2023 AFCON is the 33rd edition of the continental tournament, which features 24 teams competing for the title. The final will be held on February 6 in Abidjan.
Source: Business Day
