)
The Super Eagles announced themselves as major contenders for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating hosts Ivory Coast with a superb defensive performance
Nigeria’s Super Eagles survived a surge of late attacks to earn a shock 1-0 win over AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast.
Despite little optimism going into the match, the Super Eagles were able to overcome incredible odds to earn their first-ever win away at Ivory Coast.
)
17:23 - 18.01.2024
Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria as it happened: William Troost-Ekong fires Super Eagles to historic victory over AFCON 2023 hosts
The Super Eagles of Nigeria earned a hard-fought win over AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast to go second in Group A
)
14:08 - 18.01.2024
Nigeria leading xG table, Morocco's stunning performance and other key stats from AFCON 2023 so far
AFCON 2023 has already defied sceptics with its overly attacking outlook, but which stats have stood out from the competition in Ivory Coast so far?
Captain-for-the-day, William Troost-Ekong scored the all-important goal of the game from the penalty spot to give the Super Eagles a deserved victory following a dogged display in defence.
How it happened
The Ivorians were on the front foot early in the game as expected, but were almost stunned when Victor Osimhen was played through on goal, but the Napoli forward was unable to keep his effort on target.
Ivory Coast came close to taking the lead when Christian Kouame capitalised on an error by Zaidu Sanusi and forced Stanley Nwabali into a good save with his body.
The second half started off level and the Super Eagles were gifted an opportunity to take the lead as Osimhen was fouled in the box by Sporting CP youngster Ousmane Diomande.
Osimhen received a brilliant pass from Alex Iwobi, bringing the ball down with his chest before getting kicked by Diomande.
Captain-for-the-day, William Troost-Ekong, stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead against the hosts.
After the goal, Nigeria dropped back and set up to hit Ivory Coast on the break, and they were nearly rewarded for this strategy with a goal when Osimhen headed just wide of goal from an Ola Aina throw-in.
The hosts continued to pressure Nigeria, peppering Nwabali’s goal with shot after shot, but the Chippa United goalkeeper held his own against the hosts.
)
As the game wore on, the Super Eagles sought to take the sting out of the game, bringing on Bright Osayi-Samuel and Kenneth Omeruo for Ademola Lookman and Zaidu Sanusi to shore up the defence in anticipation of a late siege by the hosts.
The win leaves the Super Eagles on four points and second behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference as they have now almost certainly booked passage into the second round of the competition.
Related content
)
17:47 - 18.01.2024
FOOTBALL Eni Aluko insists she has ‘not fled’ England after emerging in Ivory Coast
Aluko insists she is in the Ivory Coast for the ongoing AFCON and did not "flee" England because of sexist attacks by Joey Barton.
)
16:33 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles star backs Ivory Coast for victory in crunch AFCON clash
In a startling revelation, Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has tipped Cote d’Ivoire for a win against Nigeria in today's heated encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
)
16:55 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea thrash Guinea-Bissau to put Nigeria in trouble
Equatorial Guinea have taught Guinea-Bissau footballing lessons to leave Nigeria's AFCON 2023 dream in Group A in danger.
)
16:00 - 18.01.2024
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Algerian fan arrested & deported for calling host nation Ivory Coast 'poor'
An Algerian supporter was arrested and subsequently deported from the Ivory Coast after filming some of the country’s poor areas while using derogatory language to describe it
)
15:56 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Popular influencer deported from Ivory Coast after calling host nation conditions 'prehistoric era'
Things escalated quickly for the influencer, who was arrested and has now been banned for life from Ivory Coast
14:08 - 18.01.2024
Nigeria leading xG table, Morocco's stunning performance and other key stats from AFCON 2023 so far
AFCON 2023 has already defied sceptics with its overly attacking outlook, but which stats have stood out from the competition in Ivory Coast so far?
)
12:00 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast star Sebastien Haller doubtful for Super Eagles clash
Ivory Coast key man Sebastien Haller could miss the clash against the Super Eagles due to injury
)
06:09 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Okocha, Ambode provide a boost for the Super Eagles ahead of Ivory Coast clash
The ex-Bolton star and former Lagos Governor lightened up Super Eagles players' mood ahead of the all-important 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Ivory Coast.
)
20:07 - 17.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Top 7 Hottest Wives and Girlfriends of Super Eagles stars in Ivory Coast
Super Eagles stars have been blessed with some of the most beautiful WAGs in African football.
)
16:03 - 17.01.2024
KANDANDA Yanga SC yaanza matizi Avic Town
Timu hiyo imeanza mazoezi kujiandaa na mashindano mbalimbali baada ya kutoa mapumziko ya siku 10 kwa wachezaji wake
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)