Skip to main content

Super Eagles Trash AFCON Host, Côte d’Ivoire 1-0


The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday trashed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) host, Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 in their second group game.

At the Ebimpe Olympics stadium, the match  ignited a long-time rivalry between the two countries, which was crucial to their qualifying  group stage, due to a 4-2 victory by Equatorial Guinea against Guinea-Bissau earlier in the day.

But Super Eagles’s captain, Williams Troost-Ekong pulled through in 55 minutes and scored a lone goal via penalty kick.

This decided the victory for Jose Peseiro-led team which held a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.

Peseiro adopted a tactical change by deploying a 5-4-1 formation against Cote d’Ivoire, which was a tweak from the 4-4-3 formation he used in the first match.

The 5-4-1 formation led to the introduction of central defender, Calvin Bassey, who was paired alongside Williams Troost-Ekong. 

Also in the midfield, Frank Onyeka replaced Alhassan Yusuf, who sustained injuries during the first match against Equatorial Guinea.

The 5-4-1 formation against Cote d’Ivoire saw the Super Eagles struggle to have more attack at their opponents’ home, as Victor Oshimen was left bare.

However, 10 minutes into the match, Nigeria had an opportunity to take the lead, but Osimhen’s effort went wide.

A few minutes later, the host nation Cote d’Ivoire responded with attacks, but their attempts met the firm resilience of the Super Eagles defence.

After a series of football skills by both teams, the Super Eagles midfielders lacked composure, allowing their opponents to gain possessions.

The first half ended without clinical chances by either team.

But the resumption of the second half saw the Super Eagles increase the match’s tempo in search of goal.

The intense pressure gained momentum as the centre referee awarded Nigeria a penalty after a review of the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) of an attack on Oshimen, who was kicked on his leg by Cote D’Ivoire defender, Evan Didomande.

William Troost-Ekong stepped up to take the penalty, giving the Super Eagles the lone goal, that earned the team the maximum three points.

In the 71 minutes, the Super Eagles coach brought in Moses Simon and Kenneth Omeruo to replace Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman to strengthen the defence.

Paul Onuachu also replaced Victor Osimhen.

Ten minutes before the end of the full-time, the Super Eagles had a couple of opportunities but lacked the technical ability to convert the chances to goals. 

The match ended 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles, gaining a maximum of three points to stay in second position with four points in Group A.

Nigeria is expected to play its third-round group-stage match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EHCON Moves To Rebrand Environmental Health Sector Using Artificial Intelligence

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Dr Yakubu Baba The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has taken cogent steps to rebrand the environmental health sector using artificial intelligence.  Already, plans are underway to extend the initiative across the six geopolitical zones, as no community would be sidelined.  The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this in Abuja at a 3-day workshop organised by EHCON in collaboration with Afri-Tourism Investment Limited and West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) with the theme: "AI-Driven Operations and Predictive Analysis." The essence of the workshop is to improve environmental health practice and prevent emerging diseases using artificial intelligent.   It is expected to empower Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with the necessary digital skills needed to deepen environmental health practice and provide workable  solutions to problems.  Baba noted that integrating AI into environmental he...
Post a Comment
Read more

CCB, NILDS Endorse CIFCFIN Agenda To Eliminate Fraud

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Iliyasu Gashinbaki  The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have endorsed the agenda of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), aimed at eliminating fraud from systems of government.  This was one of the major highlights during the Institute’s 13th Direct Training/Licensed Practitioners Training/graduation and award of Fellowship at NILDS headquarters, Abuja.  Speaking after his investiture as an Honourary Fellow of the Institute, Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello noted that CIFICFIN embodies excellence, integrity and a steadfast commitment to combating fraud and upholding justice. He pointed out that to be recognised and honoured as a fellow of the institute is a privilege that he will cherish and carry with great responsibility.  “As the Chief Executive of CCB, I am reminded of the critical role we play in fosterin...
Post a Comment
Read more

EHCON Seals Deal With EPHAN On Sustainable Environmental Solutions

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R- Registrar/ CEO of EHCON Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba and President of EPHAN, Dr. Samuel Akingbehin during a strategic engagement session on Friday in Abuja. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed a deal with Public Health Association of Nigeria (EPHAN) on sustainable environmental solutions.  The partnership wlll also bolster  speedy implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on environmental and public health.  News Rider reports that SDG 3 places emphasis on good health and well-being through the reduction of noncommunicable diseases, combatting waterborne diseases.; as well as lowers death and illness from exposure to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution.  This is even as SDG 6 guarantees clean water and sanitation through universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation.  Addressing the media du...
Post a Comment
Read more