The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their 1-0 victory against the host nation, Ivory Coast in their second AFCON match.
In a statement, Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their well-deserved victory over the host nation, Ivory Coast in their second AFCON Group A match.
“The Super Eagles showed they were a superior team, showcasing their exceptional talent, skills and resilience, leading to the 1-0 win over the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.
“As they progress in the competition, I charge them to continue on their impressive run so they can place Nigeria on the continental map for good.”
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw an intense and nail-biting clash between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, with the Super Eagles ultimately emerging victorious following a second-half penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong.
The defender’s precise strike from 12 yards proved to be the deciding factor in the game after VAR confirmed that Victor Osimhen had been fouled. With this win, Nigeria climbed to four points after two games in Group A, while hosts Ivory Coast remained on three points.
Nigeria, having drawn their opening match against Equatorial Guinea, were determined to put up a strong performance in this encounter. Despite the debatable penalty decision in the second half, Captain Troost-Ekong remained composed and converted the spot-kick with great skill.
Ultimately, Nigeria held their lead against Ivory Coast and secured a crucial win, boosting their confidence in the tournament.
Equatorial Guinea is currently leading Group A and will face Ivory Coast in their next match, while Nigeria will play Guinea-Bissau. All three teams still have a chance to advance, but Nigeria will be brimming with confidence after this impressive victory over the hosts.
Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, had a mixed performance in the game. Although he earned the penalty that won, he missed a clear chance in the first half and struggled to find his form in front of goal. Nevertheless, his talent and potential are undeniable, and he will be looking to improve his finishing in the upcoming matches.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey was Nigeria’s standout player in the game, putting in a solid and dedicated defensive performance. He was an instrumental figure in helping Nigeria secure the victory, relishing the battle and demonstrating his skills as a defender. The team’s efforts, led by Bassey and Troost-Ekong, have given Nigeria a renewed sense of confidence and momentum going forward in the tournament.
