The two African giants played out a memorable thriller in Abidjan on Thursday, with the Super Eagles coming out on top
Arsenal hero Ian Wright is one of several football legends who watched Nigeria carve out an exciting 1-0 win over hosts Cote d'Ivoire at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelsea icon Didier Drogba and ex-Paris Saint Germain playmaker Austin Okocha were all inside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan to see Nigeria claim their first-ever win on Ivorian soil.
Many others, including Ian Wright, followed the actions in the game live on TV from different parts of the world.
While Wright, who was Arsenal's greatest goals-scorer of all time before a certain Thierry Henry landed in London, was captivated by the excellent football Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire displayed, the 60-year old was not impressed by the playing surface of the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
The 60,000-capacity stadium is the largest in Ivory Coast and is reputed to be one of the most modern stadiums in Africa.
However, its playing pitch had more brown patches than green grass, which was constantly giving way as players worked around with the ball.
Expressing his displeasure on Twitter, Wright wrote: “The state of this pitch in the Ivory Coast vs Nigeria game!!! Ridiculous #AFCON23”
The state of this pitch in the Ivory Coast vs Nigeria game!!! Ridiculous #AFCON23
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 18, 2024
The Super Eagles, though, will want to turn their attention to their last Group A match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday.
The Djurtus are still searching for their first win and point at the AFCON and have already conceded six goals – the most in this tournament.
A win for Nigeria in that encounter could secure Group A's top spot for the Super Eagles and ensure a favourable draw in the knockout round of the AFCON.
hamisu