In a high-stakes encounter between two football powerhouses, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire faced off at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan. The atmosphere was charged with expectations as the 2013 and 2015 AFCON champions collided in a crucial group stage match.
Cote d’Ivoire, riding high on a convincing opening-day triumph, aimed to leverage home advantage and the fervent support of their fans. Meanwhile, Nigeria, seeking redemption from a draw against Equatorial Guinea, needed a victory to avoid an early exit from the competition.
As the match unfolded, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro made strategic changes in the starting lineup. Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey, impactful substitutes in the previous match, were granted starting roles. The only absentee due to injury was Alhassan Yusuf, while Moses Simon lost his starting position.
Nigeria surged ahead against the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, with skipper Troost William Ekong delivering a decisive penalty goal. The breakthrough goal resonated not only with the Nigerian team but also ignited celebrations among their fervent supporters. The scoreline now favored Nigeria, leading Côte d’Ivoire 1 – 0.
Ekong’s momentous goal injected intensity into the match, setting the stage for a riveting battle as both teams vied for supremacy in this crucial AFCON clash.
