Arguably the peak of the bunch action in Matchday 2 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations witnessed competitive action.
Host nation Côte D'Ivoire were dominant for most parts of the affair, however, Nigeria were resolute, determined, and courageous.
In a stadium as big as the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium, occupied by a massive density of Ivorian supporters and pockets of Nigerian fans, the Super Eagles showed their guts as Giants of Africa.
Stanley Nwabali stepped up to the occasion for Nigeria on multiple occasions, saving several shots targeted at him by Ivory Coast.
Victor Osimhen, who had a fairly average performance won a penalty for Nigeria in the 51st minute, with the Video Assistant Referee being consulted to ascertain that decision.
The referee also made use of the monitor and indeed judged that it was a penalty to Nigeria, which was subsequently converted by William Troost-Ekong.
Ekong struck the ball perfectly into goal and he was electric in his celebration, gingering the team to show more hunger.
Following the goal, Côte D'Ivoire brought on Wilfred Singo for Serge Aurier in the 67th minute.
Manager Jean-Louis Gasset also brought on Nicolas Pepe for Jeremie Boga, while Jonathan Bamba came on for Christian Kouame.
18 minutes before the expiration of regulation time, Nigeria also made their own set of substitutions, with Moses Simon coming on for Samuel Chukwueze.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also got into the fray for Ademola Lookman, while Kenneth Omeruo came on to offer more bit in defense for Nigeria, replacing Zaidu Sanusi.
Jose Peseiro's Super Eagles were remarkably astute in defense and that made it hard for Ivory Coast to have a clear shot at goal.
Ivory Coast also introduced Oumar Diakite for Konan in the 80th minute, while 2 minutes later, Sekoh Fofana struck a short wreath in frustration which sailed over the bar.
6 minutes before the culmination of proceedings, Karim Konate was introduced by the Ivorians for Jean-Philippe Krasso.
The last and final substitution of the encounter was made by Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen coming off for Paul Onuachu in the 88th minute.
9 minutes of additional time was added to the game and the Super Eagles played with pride throughout the duration.
Nigeria's goalie Stanley Nwabali was the only player to go into the referee's book and it was time-wasting in the dying embers of the clash.
Nigeria, the 2013 champions last won the Africa Cup of Nations defeating Ivory Coast along the way and now they have repeated that feat, it remains to be seen if they will end up with the crown.
The Elephants also put in a decent shift, but the encounter was won by the team that wanted it the most.
The host nation slipped to 3rd in Group A with 3 points, following the defeat to Nigeria, while Jose Peseiro's side ascended to 2nd in the group with 4 points from 2 matches played.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in the final group encounter on Monday, January 22, 2024, while Côte D'Ivoire also play on Monday, January 22, 2024, facing group leaders Equatorial Guinea.
Host nation Côte D'Ivoire were dominant for most parts of the affair, however, Nigeria were resolute, determined, and courageous.
In a stadium as big as the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium, occupied by a massive density of Ivorian supporters and pockets of Nigerian fans, the Super Eagles showed their guts as Giants of Africa.
Stanley Nwabali stepped up to the occasion for Nigeria on multiple occasions, saving several shots targeted at him by Ivory Coast.
Victor Osimhen, who had a fairly average performance won a penalty for Nigeria in the 51st minute, with the Video Assistant Referee being consulted to ascertain that decision.
The referee also made use of the monitor and indeed judged that it was a penalty to Nigeria, which was subsequently converted by William Troost-Ekong.
Ekong struck the ball perfectly into goal and he was electric in his celebration, gingering the team to show more hunger.
Following the goal, Côte D'Ivoire brought on Wilfred Singo for Serge Aurier in the 67th minute.
Manager Jean-Louis Gasset also brought on Nicolas Pepe for Jeremie Boga, while Jonathan Bamba came on for Christian Kouame.
18 minutes before the expiration of regulation time, Nigeria also made their own set of substitutions, with Moses Simon coming on for Samuel Chukwueze.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also got into the fray for Ademola Lookman, while Kenneth Omeruo came on to offer more bit in defense for Nigeria, replacing Zaidu Sanusi.
Jose Peseiro's Super Eagles were remarkably astute in defense and that made it hard for Ivory Coast to have a clear shot at goal.
Ivory Coast also introduced Oumar Diakite for Konan in the 80th minute, while 2 minutes later, Sekoh Fofana struck a short wreath in frustration which sailed over the bar.
6 minutes before the culmination of proceedings, Karim Konate was introduced by the Ivorians for Jean-Philippe Krasso.
The last and final substitution of the encounter was made by Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen coming off for Paul Onuachu in the 88th minute.
9 minutes of additional time was added to the game and the Super Eagles played with pride throughout the duration.
Nigeria's goalie Stanley Nwabali was the only player to go into the referee's book and it was time-wasting in the dying embers of the clash.
Nigeria, the 2013 champions last won the Africa Cup of Nations defeating Ivory Coast along the way and now they have repeated that feat, it remains to be seen if they will end up with the crown.
The Elephants also put in a decent shift, but the encounter was won by the team that wanted it the most.
The host nation slipped to 3rd in Group A with 3 points, following the defeat to Nigeria, while Jose Peseiro's side ascended to 2nd in the group with 4 points from 2 matches played.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in the final group encounter on Monday, January 22, 2024, while Côte D'Ivoire also play on Monday, January 22, 2024, facing group leaders Equatorial Guinea.
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