By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire took on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in what was a tough battle, as Nigeria won by 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The two teams started the game on a competitive note, as there was no space left for either team to dominate in the final third. Nigeria pushed by creating some chances with Victor Osimhen in the tick of things, but the Ivorians prevented any upset in the first half as they had their big moments too.
Côte d’Ivoire gradually gained momentum as the game progressed to the final embers of the first half as they took control of affair by asking the Nigerian defence some big questions, which they managed to find their way through.
The Elephants came in good shape in the second half as they tried their best to get a goal before the match got to the hour mark of play, but the Super Eagles patiently had other plans installed in their tank.
Nigeria’s final third play eventually gifted them a penalty when their star striker, Victor Osimhen, was brought down in the 18-yard box. The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, stepped up to make it 1-0 in the 55th minute.
The match opened after the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire started to push for an equaliser, but the Super Eagles of Nigeria stood firm to prevent the host nation from gaining something out of the game.
