AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire 0-1 Nigeria – Troost-Ekong’s excellent penalty fires Super Eagles to record Ivorian win

The three-time winners had failed to win any of their last four games in all competition

Nigeria produced a stunning performance to secure a memorable 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire on matchday two of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports. 

William Troost-Ekong scored the Super Eagles’ only goal from the penalty spot early in the second half to power Nigeria a first-ever win on Ivorian soil. 

How it happened

Head coach Jose Peseiro made two changes to the team that drew with Equatorial Guinea on the opening day, with Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze coming in for Alhassan Yusuf and Moses Simon.

Nigeria set up in a 3-4-3 formation as Bassey slipped beside William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi in defence, while Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina took their places as wing-backs.

Chukwueze and Lookman flanked star forward Victor Osimhen in attack, with Stanley Nwabali continuing in goal.

Despite the change in system, Nigeria had the first sight of goal, but Onyeka flashed wide from the edge of the box.

It was Osimhen’s turn to be wasteful in the 8th minute as he raced through on goal but slapped his effort high and wide.

Cote d’Ivoire retaliated instantly, and goalkeeper Nwabali had to be smart to keep out Christian Kouame’s left-footed shot.

From then on, it was a hard-fought battle in the middle of the park until the referee signaled for the end of the first half.

Ten minutes into the second half Nigeria took the lead from the penalty spot.

VAR caught a foul on Osimhen in the Ivorian box, and captain Troost-Ekong showed perfect nerves to convert from 12 yards out.

Despite the lead, the Super Eagles did not let up and continue to create good chances but poor headers from Osimhen and Onyeka stopped them from adding to their advantage.

Cote d’Ivoire stepped up the pace of the game shortly after but there was little for goalkeeper Nwabali to do as Nigeria held on for the win. 

What’s next?

Nigeria climb to joint-top with Equatorial Guinea in Group A with four points from their first two games. 

The Super Eagles will next play against Guinea-Bissau, who have no points, on matchday three with a point good enough to take them to the knockout round.