Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed a first-ever win on the home soil of Côte d’Ivoire after their 1-0 success at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Captain William Troost-Ekong’s goal from the penalty spot was decisive as Nigeria grabbed the all-important points to end the day on high.
Here, The Nigerian Observer Sports takes a look at how Jose Peseiro’s men faired during the game.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had a decent display.
It looks like coach Peseiro might have found his number one keeper in Nwabali who had a decent game against the Ivorians. Nwabali justified his inclusion in the team for the second match with fantastic saves, one of which was when he palmed away Seko Fofana’s long-range effort.
The Chippa United shot-stopper made a superb-one-hand save to deny Côte d’Ivoire a goal on the run of play, during the final minutes as the hosts were pushing for an equalizer.
Troost-Ekong, Ajayi and Calvin Bassey were rock solid in defense
One of the tactical changes that Peseiro made and paid off was giving Calvin Bassey a nod in the defense to add more power and strength to the team’s back line. It worked, as the Fulham defender made it difficult for Ivorian attackers, making use of his physical strength to prevent goal opportunities by the hosts.
Semiu had an improvement from his last game and was well organized at the back, giving nothing to chance.
Captain Troost-Ekong turned hero when he stepped up to score the resultant penalty after the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) review. He kept his cool and fired home the match-winner.
Zaide and Aina were unshaken against the Elephants
Eagles’ left and right full-backs, Ola Aina and Sanusi Zaidu were a handful for the Elephants, both in the attack and defense positions.
Aina was all over the place, putting his body on the line severally, and did exceptionally well to forestall any counterattack from his position by his opponents.
While Zaidu was defensively minded against the hosts. He was fouled on several occasions and he won eight of the duels he was involved in.
Onyeka showed class and Iwobi stepped up
The midfield duo of Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi were on their toes during the encounter and had decent performances much to the delight of Nigeria fans.
Although Onyeka played a different role, still he was able to give a good account of himself as he stood his ground; fighting like a warrior.
For Iwobi, the Fulham man operated in the middle park of the midfield and was creative as he made several passes into Côte d’Ivoire’s 18-yard box.
Lookman put in his best, Chukwueze lack the cutting edge
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman sprung up differently and showed the Naija spirit in him. He had a decent game as he took charge of the set pieces and was on point with it.
Samuel Chukwueze played brilliantly but lacked the cutting edge in front of goals. He dribbled and made his way through in the defense of the Elephants, but couldn’t find the missing puzzle when it mattered most.
Victor Osimhen fought like a Lion
Victor Osimhen had a great game, too, as he used his physical strength to bodied the Ivorian defenders who had a difficult time keeping him at bay.
His doggedness brought about the winning penalty as he constantly fought for every ball in the opposing yard and was torn in the flesh of his markers.
Osayi-Samuel fumbled, Simon had no impact as Omeuero added more cover in the defense
The trio of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, and Kenneth Omeuro were thrown into the fray as the Super Eagles coach looked to safeguard his lead.
Osayi-Samuel had a good scoring chance but was selfish about it as he did not shoot or make a pass on time before he was discharged off the ball.
Simon came on and had little or no impact on the wing as the Ivorians held him up and did not allow him to play his game.
Kenneth Omeruo made his first appearance at the tourney and was helpful at the back line of the Eagles with time ticking out in the closing stage of the contest.
