At the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, Nigeria defeated hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick from William Troost-Ekong.
Early in the second half in Abidjan, the Nigerian captain scored from the spot to give the Super Eagles their first tournament win and a lead over the Ivorians in Group A.
After a VAR review, Ola Aina was found to have fouled Victor Osimhen in the area, and Ivory Coast paid the price for missing numerous opportunities.
As a result, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea now share the same four group points, while Ivory Coast leads by three with one game remaining. When Osimhen of Napoli outran Serge Aurier, he nearly gave Nigeria an early lead, but he was unable to keep His shot down.
As Ivory Coast dominated the first half, Nigeria’s start proved to be exceptional. As Troost-Ekong applied pressure, Christian Kouame, an attacking menace for Ivory Coast, headed far over. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali blocked Kouame’s attempt on the turn after Zaidu Sanusi mishandled a bouncing ball.
Evan Ndicka was set up by Kouame by pulling back across the goal, but Ndicka volleyed directly at Nwabali.
A long-range attempt by Seko Fofana was then blocked by Nwabali, and Kouame’s counterattack was swiftly stopped by Sanusi.
After Aina seemed to kick Osimhen during a challenge, Nigeria took the lead early in the second half. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee changed his earlier ruling, allowing play to continue.
Troost-Ekong, a former Watford defender, scored the ensuing spot-kick with precision. Ivory Coast retaliated, but Ibrahim Sangare and Ousmane Diomande both missed the mark with their headers.
Nigeria had an opportunity to seal the win when Bright Osayi-Samuel blocked a shot, but Ivory Coast put up late pressure but were unable to pose a threat once more.
