Nigeria 1-0 Ivory Coast: Super Eagles edge closer to AFCON 2023 knockout stage

Nigeria’s players celebrate after winning at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 18, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in their second group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to edge closer to qualifying for the second round of the competition.

The Super Eagles’ lone goal win over the Elephants came courtesy of the team’s assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong.

The PAOK Thessaloniki of Greece central defender scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.

Nigeria’s players pose ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 18, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Having played out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their group opening game on Sunday, the Super Eagles knew they had to get at least a draw against Ivory Coast, who had earlier beaten Guinea-Bissau 2-0 on Saturday.

Nigeria’s job was made much more difficult after Equatorial Guinea defeated Guinea-Bissau 4-2 with a hat-trick from Emiliano Nsue on Thursday to go to the top of Group A.

The Super Eagles, however, made sure they defeated the host nation to go joint-top with Equatorial Guinea with both sides now on four points ahead of their final group games.

Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in their final group match while Equatorial Guinea will do battle with Ivory Coast.