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Nigeria defeated host country and one of the tournament favourites. It's the first time the Super Eagles have won a game in the Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria silenced 2023 African Cup of Nation host Ivory Coast when they pipped them by a lone goal in the crucial group A game.
Former Watford defender and Nigeria’s captain for the day William Troost-Ekong got the deciding goal of the game from the penalty spot after Victor Osimhen was fouled.
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20:06 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles make history as they beat Ivory Coast to keep title hopes alive
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
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09:36 - 16.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Uzoho in goal, and 4 players Peseiro must start to defeat Ivory Coast
Nigeria will face the toughest test so far when they face host Ivory Coast in a crucial Group A encounter
However, for all of the attacking plays, the defensive display by the Nigerian backline has got fans talking on social media.
Super Eagles produce masterclass defending
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Going into the game against the Ivorians, Nigeria were sitting third in the game and desperately needed to get something out of this game - which they eventually did, beyond the expectation of many.
Coach Jose Peseiro, wary of Ivory Coast’s potent attacking force, decided to set up a 5-man defensive way that included Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, and Ola Aina.
In midfield was the impressive Frank Onyeka sitting in front of the backline to cut off any threat from the Ivorians.
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20:33 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: 3 Tactical changes Peseiro made to outsmart Ivory Coast
The Super Eagles of Nigeria stunned AFCON hosts Ivory Coast, sealing an impressive 1-0 win to blow Group A wide open.
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20:57 - 18.01.2024
Ivory Coast vs Nigeria: From Osimhen's missed chance to winning a penalty, how the Super Eagles team performed
The Super Eagles claimed an important win against the AFCON host country Ivory Coast to have a chance of qualification.
After Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria in front, Cote D’Ivoire sent on former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe and Bamba, but Nigeria’s defensive wall, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, remained dogged and defended very well.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili also put in an impressive performance in goal, making crucial blocks and timing his runs perfectly - with today’s performance it will be a long way before Francis Uzoho gets his position back.
Reactions - Outstanding defending by Super Eagles
Here are some of the comments on Pulse Sports Facebook page regarding Nigeria’s defensive masterclass against Ivory Coast.
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Nigeria now has four points from two games and will play Guinea Bissau in the final group game, while Ivory Coast have it all to do against an Equatorial Guinea side that is sitting at the top of the log.
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