The Super Eagles defeated Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in their second group game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria had drawn their first game 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea and came into the match under pressure.
But William Troost-Ekong remained calm as he stepped up to smash home a penalty in the second half.
What are the five things we learnt from the victory?
1. Osimhen still missing chances: Again, the Napoli hitman missed at least two fantastic chances to score for the national team. The first was a one-on-one chance that he booted over the post with his left leg. There was also a chance for him to make it 2-0 with a header from a corner kick. Same result.
2. 3-4-3 might be the solution: Jose Peseiro may just have stumbled on a tactical formula that works. The Eagles looked like a proper team against the Ivorians, although Alex Iwobi’s role in the set-up was questionable. If the Portuguese decide to stick with the system, we could see Alhassan Yusuf utilised instead.
3. Defensive masterclass: Apart from Zaidu Sanusi, all the defenders put up a solid showing. Top marks for Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, especially, who bombed up and down either flank. Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi were reliable in the centre in front of Stanley Nwabili, who will continue to keep Francis Uzoho out of the team.
4. Nigeria set for the knockout stages: With four points from two matches, Peseiro’s men are almost certainly in the knockout stages. They are only second behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. Nigeria play Guinea-Bissau, who are essentially out of the tournament in their last game and should take another three points from that encounter.
5. All for the hosts to do: Cote d’Ivoire are facing the real prospect of getting dumped out of the competition early. The hosts will face Equatorial Guinea in their last group fixture. And judging from their first two matches, you cannot dismiss the Nzalang Nacional. The Elephants were not particularly good against Nigeria and need to step it up as they fight to qualify.
AFCON 2023: 5 things we learnt as Super Eagles beat Cote d’Ivoire 1-0
