WATCH: Bayer Leverkusen star Boniface, Okocha call on Super Eagles after Cote d’Ivoire win

The three-time African champions produced one of their most accomplished performances in recent times to claim a memorable win

Nigerian legend Austin Okocha and Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface have rejoiced with the Super Eagles following their tough 1-0 win over hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Having won each of their last four games in all competitions, Cote d’Ivoire, playing in front of thousands of home fans, were the big favourites to shoot down the Super Eagles.

The Elephants were, however, stunned by Nigeria’s organisation and industry, which made the home team look ordinary.

Ultimately, captain William Troost-Ekong smashed home a second-half penalty against the Ivorians at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan to help the Super Eagles end a disappointing run of four games without a win.

After the victory, former PSG playmaker Okocha visited the Super Eagles’ dressing room to congratulate the players for recording their first victory at the AFCON.

The former Bolton Wanderers skipper had spent time with the Eagles before the meeting with Cote d’Ivoire to encourage and motivate them.

During his congratulatory visit, Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho pleaded with Okocha to spend more time with the team before crucial games.

While Okocha was still with the Eagles, Bayer Leverkusen ace Boniface video-called the team to felicitate with them on the memorable win over the Ivorians.

Boniface, who would have been with the team but for a late injury that aborted his AFCON dreams, was pleased to rejoice with the team.

The former Union Saint-Gilloise ace had personal exchanges with Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Raphael Onyedika.

Once the celebrations wear off, the Super Eagles will turn their attention to their next group game against Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau were in a similar situation at the 2021 AFCON, with the Super Eagles claiming a 2-0 win to finish as group leaders while the Djurtus left the tournament still looking for their first-ever win.

This post was last modified on January 19, 2024 1:49 pm

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Bukayo Saka’s injury sparks Arsenal’s interest in Nigerian winger with 6 Super Eagles goals

Arsenal could rival Aston Villa in a bid to secure the services of Nigerian international… Read More

7 hours ago

Napoli identify three potential targets for Osimhen swap deal as Manchester United talks heat up

2023 Serie A winners, Napoli, have identified three potential candidates for a swap deal as… Read More

9 hours ago

Super Eagles star joins Mohammed Salah and Aleksandar Isak in Deeney’s BBC Team of the Week

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest versatile defender, Olaoluwa Temitayo Aina, was included in Troy Deeney's… Read More

10 hours ago

“What more could you want” – Genk head coach lavishes praise on in-form Tolu Arokodare

KRC Genk head coach, Thorsten Fink, has praised Nigerian striker, Tolu Emmanuel Arokodare, for his… Read More

11 hours ago

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian forward wanted by Girona spread Christmas joy with acts of kindness

Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, one of the Belgian Pro League's standout players this season, has… Read More

11 hours ago

“We will score goals” – Nigeria warned as Ghana’s Dramani predicts goal-scoring masterclass in Uyo

Ghana head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to find… Read More

12 hours ago