Super Eagles edge closer to AFCON 2023 knockout stage

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in their second group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to edge closer to qualifying for the second round of the competition.

Nigeria’s lone goal win over the Ivory Coast came courtesy of the team’s assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong.

PAOK Thessaloniki of Greece scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.

Having played out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their group opening game on Sunday, the Super Eagles knew they had to get at least a draw against Ivory Coast, who had earlier beaten Guinea-Bissau 2-0 on Saturday.

Nigeria’s job was made much more difficult after Equatorial Guinea defeated Guinea-Bissau 4-2 with a hat-trick from Emiliano Nsue on Thursday to go to the top of Group A.

The Super Eagles, however, made sure they defeated the host nation to go joint-top with Equatorial Guinea with both sides now on four points ahead of their final group games.

Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in their final group match while Equatorial Guinea will do battle with Ivory Coast on Monday, January 22.