AFCON: Nigeria Beats Ivory Coast in Group A Thriller

iexclusivenews – Nigeria secured a vital 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

The only goal of the game came from a penalty converted by William Troost-Ekong in the second half after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box.

The Super Eagles defended well against the Elephants, who could not find a way to equalize despite the support of their home fans.

Nigeria climbs to second place in tight group

The win lifted Nigeria to second place in Group A, level on points with leaders Equatorial Guinea, who had earlier defeated Guinea-Bissau 4-2.

The Super Eagles have a better head-to-head record against the Ivorians, who dropped to third place with three points.

Both teams will face their final group opponents on Monday (17:00 GMT), with Nigeria taking on Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast facing Equatorial Guinea.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the last 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.

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VAR drama leads to decisive penalty

The match was played at the new Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, which has hosted four games so far in this tournament and will also host the final.

The pitch was dry and uneven, making it difficult for the players to control the ball and create chances.

Osimhen had the first clear opportunity for Nigeria in the eighth minute, when he received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze, but he skied his shot over the bar.

A minute later, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a brave save to deny Christian Kouame from close range.

Evan Ndicka also missed a good chance for Ivory Coast, when he scuffed his half-volley from near the penalty spot.

The game remained goalless until the 55th minute, when VAR intervened to award a penalty to Nigeria.

Ousmane Diomande had clipped Osimhen’s leg in the box, but the referee did not spot the foul initially.

After reviewing the incident on the monitor, he changed his mind and pointed to the spot.

Troost-Ekong, the Nigeria captain and former Watford defender, stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it past Yahia Fofana in the Ivory Coast goal.

Ivory Coast fail to break down Nigeria defence

The hosts tried to respond to the setback, but they struggled to break down the solid Nigeria defence, led by Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun.

Seko Fofana and Franck Kessie wasted some long-range shots, while Ndicka headed wide from a free kick.

Nigeria also had some chances to extend their lead, but Osimhen and Chukwueze were denied by Fofana.

The final whistle sparked jubilation among the Nigeria players and fans, while the Ivory Coast players and fans were left disappointed.

It was the first time that Nigeria had beaten Ivory Coast on their own soil, and the first time that a host nation had lost a group game at the Afcon since 2012.