Super Eagles Revive AFCON 2023 Ambitions with Win Over Hosts, Côte d’Ivoire 

* Victor Osimhen voted Man-of-the-Match

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title on Thursday evening after defeating hosts country Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 to join Equatorial Guinea at the top of Group A.

A lone 55th minute penalty converted by on-field captain, William Troost-Ekong, gave Nigeria victory against the Elephants who won their opening game against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday. 

African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, won the penalty after he was infringed in the box. Ekong blasted the ball into the net from the spot.

It was Nigeria’s first defeat of the Ivorians in their home. The victory has now taken the pressure off the Eagles who drew their opening game 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.

With four points from two matches, another victory against Guinea-Bissau will take Nigeria to the top of the group on seven points and remain at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe area of Abidjan for their knockout round match. 

Expectedly, Osimhen was voted the Man of the Match.

Earlier, Equatorial Guinea defeated Guinea Bissau 4-2 to go Top with four points. 

The massive win temporary handed the top of the log to them before the Super Eagles’s victory against the hosts.

Equatorial Guinea with four points and five goals so far will certainly scale the group hurdle either as leaders, runners up or one of the best third placed team.