The Super Eagles of Nigeria have boosted their chances to qualify for the knock-out stage in this year’s African Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over host nation Ivory Coast.
Defender William Troost-Ekong gave the Nigerian team a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute after striker Victor Osimhen was bundled by Ivorian defenders in the penalty box.
The Eagles matched the firepower of the host country in the game today which was a contrasting performance from the one against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Nigeria is now locked on four points at the top of the group alongside Equatorial Guinea, with Ivory Coast behind them on three points and Guinea-Bissau already eliminated after losing both games so far.
The fact that the four best third-placed sides in the six groups will all advance to the last 16 leaves margin for error, but Ivory Coast must now beat Equatorial Guinea in their last match on Monday to guarantee progress.
Meanwhile Nigeria must simply avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau -– beaten 4-2 by Equatorial Guinea earlier – to ensure a top-two finish.
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