Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria: AFCON hosts drop to third in their group after defeat… as William Troost-Ekong scores from the spot to seal victory for three-time champions

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A penalty from William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory over host country Ivory Coast during the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Nigeria’s captain struck from the spot early in the second half in Abidjan as the Super Eagles claimed their first win of the tournament to put the Ivorians ahead in Group A.

Ivory Coast missed a host of chances and paid the price after Ola Aina was adjudged for a foul on Victor Osimhen in the area following a VAR review.

The result meant Nigeria moved level on four points with Equatorial Guinea in the group, while Ivory Coast have three with one match to play.

Napoli striker Osimhen came close to taking an early lead for Nigeria when he outpaced Serge Aurier but could not suppress his shot.

Nigerian William Troost-Ekong scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 55th minute

Ola Aina fouled Victor Osimhen and Troost-Ekong blasted his penalty through the middle

Ola Aina fouled Victor Osimhen and Troost-Ekong blasted his penalty through the middle

That turned out to be a rare opening for Nigeria in the first half, as Ivory Coast dominated.

Christian Kouame was a threat for Ivory Coast, but headed far over under pressure from Troost-Ekong.

Kouame shot on the turn after Zaidu Sanusi failed to deal with a bouncing ball but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali blocked.

Kouame also retreated across goal to beat Evan Ndicka, but he struck straight at Nwabali.

Nwabali then kept out Seko Fofana’s long-range effort and Sanusi reacted quickly to block Kouame’s follow-up attempt.

Nigeria seized the initiative early in the second half after Aina Osimhen appeared to kick in a challenge. Initially the game was allowed to continue, but the referee reversed his decision after checking the field monitor.

Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier (L) fights for the ball with Nigerian Calvin Bassey

Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier (L) fights for the ball with Nigerian Calvin Bassey

CONTEST FACTS

Ivory Coast: Yahia Fofana, Aurier (Singo 67), Diomande, N’Dicka, Konan (Diakite 80), Seko Fofana, Ibrahim Sangare, Kessie, Kouame (Bamba 67), Krasso (Konate 84), Boga (Pepe 67).

Subs not used: Seri, Kossounou, Boly, Gradel, Badra Ali Sangare, Diallo, Amani.

Nigeria: Nwabali, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi (Omeruo 80), Chukwueze (Simon 72), Osimhen (Onuachu 88), Lookman (Samuel 79).

Subs not used: Moffi, Uzoho, Musa, Aribo, Onyemaechi, Iheanacho, Awaziem, Nwadike.

Booked: Nwabali.

Goals: Troost-Ekong 55 pin.

Former Watford defender Troost-Ekong made no mistake as he smashed home the resulting penalty.

Ivory Coast responded but Ousmane Diomande headed wide and Ibrahim Sangare also missed the target.

Fofana came closer as the hosts piled on the pressure, but his shot flew wide and Ndicka missed with a header from the back post.

Bright Osayi-Samuel spurned a chance to seal victory for Nigeria when he delayed a shot, but Ivory Coast failed to threaten again despite applying late pressure.