William Troost-Ekong’s goal against the Ivory Coast signalled Nigeria’s intent to reach the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over hosts in Group A.
Nigeria’s victory has left Group A qualification wide open – any of the top three could qualify for the round of sixteen.
In front of a packed Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, the Elephant of Ivory Coast could not escape defeat as William Troost-Ekong’s spot kick in the 54th minute after Victor Osimhen was fouled silenced the home fans.
The three-time African champions leapfrog the Elephants to go second in Group A and are behind leaders Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday on goal difference.
Nigeria on four points, will face Guinea-Bissau (17:00 GMT) in their final Group A fixture on Monday as Ivory Coast battles things out on the same day.
#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 Tight Group A after Nigeria 🇳🇬 victory over host Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/jzpBtLUvJV
— #AFCON2023WithBittar (@bittar32) January 19, 2024
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