AFCON: Nigeria defeat hosts, Cote d'Ivoire,1-0

Nigeria have defeated hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, by 1-0 to now top the group on equal points with Equitorial Guinea, but on goal difference.

The Eagles won the match with William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty against Cote d’Ivoire in a match that took place Thursday.

This turned the heat on the host country whose hopes of reaching the last 16 remain in the balance.

Captain Troost-Ekong, of Greek club PAOK, converted from the spot 10 minutes into the second half at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, after a foul on Victor Osimhen was picked up following a VAR check.

The Super Eagles then held on in front of a frenzied crowd to claim their first win in Group A after beginning their AFCON bid with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

“Our team was better and for that we won, but Ivory Coast is a good team. They lost the match because that can happen,” said Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro, whose decision to play with three central defenders paid off.

“Today I said to my players it is normal that you score at least one goal, so if you don’t suffer a goal, you win.”

Nigeria must simply avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau -– beaten 4-2 by Equatorial Guinea earlier – to ensure a top-two finish.

The fact that the four best third-placed sides in six groups will all advance to the last 16 leaves margin for error, but Ivory Coast must beat Equatorial Guinea in their last match on Monday to guarantee progress.