Abidjan, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th Jan, 2024) Nigeria star Victor Osimhene said his team beat hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday ‘stated’ to complete the position. in the last 16.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s definitely not an easy game. We knew the Ivorians would be strong against us,” Osimhen said after captain William Troost-Ekong’s 55th-minute penalty in the Group A clash at Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan. after solving .
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“We came in with a game plan and executed it. I’m happy with the win. It’s a big win for us and we’re going to keep building on that momentum.”
In the opening match of the tournament, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea, with Osimhen scoring.
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The result moved them level on four points in the division with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 on Thursday.
A draw in their last game against Guinea-Bissau will guarantee the Super Eagles progress as one of the top two teams.
However, the best four third-placed teams will also advance to the round of 16.
“This game against Ivory Coast was a big statement game for us,” said Osimhen, who won the decisive penalty after being brought down in the box by Ousmane Diomande.
“We needed to win a tournament like AFCON and make a statement.
“It was important to start well. We expected them to make mistakes in midfield, but I am very happy with this win and we will continue from here.”
The reigning African Footballer of the Year said coach Jose Peseiro “really didn’t mind” telling Troost-Ekong to take the penalty instead of him.
Nigeria will now face Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan on Monday and the three-time AFCON winners will be wary of the team that beat them in the qualifiers in Abuja last March.
Osimhen said: “We know them. We played them in the qualifiers and we know how dangerous they are. We can never take any game lightly.”