In a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations group stage encounter, Nigeria secured a crucial victory over hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan. The Super Eagles bounced back from a lackluster tournament start, leaving Ivory Coast under pressure as they head into the final round of Group A matches.
Despite missing injured striker Sebastien Haller, Ivory Coast was unable to overcome Nigeria’s tactical adjustments, with Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey joining the starting lineup. William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty, awarded after a VAR review of Ousmane Diomande’s foul on Victor Osimhen, ultimately proved to be the decider.
Ivory Coast now faces the task of securing a positive result in their final match to avoid an early exit from their own AFCON. This defeat sees them drop to third place in Group A, while Nigeria’s win places them level with Equatorial Guinea at the top of the group.
For more Cup of Nations action, stay tuned for the upcoming Egypt vs. Ghana match in Group B, as both teams seek to bounce back from disappointing tournament starts.