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William Troost-Ekong’s penalty secured victory for Nigeria against hosts Cote d’lvoire and swung Group A back in the Super Eagles’ favour at the Africa Cup of Nations.
After drawing their opening game against Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria were good value for this narrow victory, although it only came after a debatable second-half penalty when Ousmane Diomande was deemed to have clipped Victor Osimhen. Captain Troost-Ekong stepped up to score from the spot, and Nigeria were able to then keep Ivory Coast at bay and leapfrog them in the table into second.
Equatorial Guinea remain top and face Cote d’lvoire next Monday, at the same time Nigeria will fancy their chances against Guinea-Bissau. With third perhaps enough to qualify for the knockouts — Eurosport.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter