Nigeria secures victory over the hosts with a second-half penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations

William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty proved decisive as Nigeria secured a crucial win over hosts Ivory Coast in Group A at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Troost-Ekong confidently converted from the spot after a VAR review identified a foul on Victor Osimhen by Ousmane Diomande. Despite numerous opportunities for both teams in the first half, including a notable chance for Osimhen, clinical finishing remained elusive until the penalty breakthrough.

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria final score

Seko Fofana attempted several long-range shots, but unfortunately, he couldn’t find the target, sending the ball over the bar on multiple occasions.

Ivory Coast’s success in this tournament hinges on their ability to enhance their finishing. While defensively solid against the Super Eagles, they faced challenges in capitalizing on opportunities in the attacking third.

Group A table

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria live updates, highlights from AFCON

FT: That’s the final whistle, and the Super Eagles hold on for victory!

90+8: In the dying moments, the hosts desperately try to deliver a cross into the box, but Nigeria continues to clear the danger. They’re on the verge of securing the win.

90+6: VAR quickly reviews a penalty shout, but play continues as the hosts believe it hit a Nigerian defender’s arm.

90+3: Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali receives a yellow card for timewasting.

90th minute: There will be nine minutes of added time, lifting the crowd’s hopes for an equalizer.

88th minute: Osimhen makes way as he’s substituted for Paul Onuachu.

86th minute: Fofana attempts another extraordinary move but once again misses the target.

80th minute: Nigeria’s defense stands strong against Ivory Coast’s continuous attacks.

75th minute: CHANCE for Ivory Coast! The ball reaches the back post, and N’Dicka meets it well, but they can’t force the goalkeeper into making a save.

70th minute: Sangare wastes a free-kick, blasting it over the bar, leading to the drinks break.

68th minute: The hosts make a triple change, bringing on Bamba, Pepe, and Singo for Aurier, Boga, and Kouame.

62nd minute: Osimhen misses a wonderful opportunity to double his side’s lead with a headed effort.

60th minute: The Nigerian center-back William Troost-Ekong smashes in a goal, giving Nigeria the lead!

54th minute: Victor Osimhen wins a PENALTY as Ousmane Diomande commits a foul.

48th minute: Christian Kouame and Calvin Bassey clash heads, and the Nigerian requires treatment.

46th minute: The second half kicks off in West Africa.

HT: The first half concludes! Despite a bright start from both teams, they are disappointed not to have scored. Finishing needs improvement for a potential winner in the second half.

45+1: Alex Iwobi impresses down the left flank but loses control, taking the ball out of play.

45th minute: Three minutes of added time announced.

44th minute: Super Eagles’ corner reaches the far post, but Sanusi can’t maintain composure and snatches at it.

37th minute: Nigeria protests for a penalty, but the referee waves play on. There may have been a handball.

33rd minute: Serge Aurier faces a tough battle against Osimhen, and the Napoli striker’s electric pace is evident.

30th minute: A crucial block by Sanusi denies Kouame’s attempt following Fofana’s long-range effort.

25th minute: Water break. Players rehydrate, and fans continue to support energetically.

22nd minute: The game opens up as both sides find themselves in good attacking positions. Osimhen’s overhead kick is blocked by Ndicka.

16th minute: Early chances for both sides without testing the goalkeepers. Impressive intensity given the conditions.

13th minute: Samuel Chukwueze causes problems for Ivory Coast; the hosts struggle to handle him.

8th minute: Osimhen’s pace creates a chance, but his left-footed finish goes over the bar. Nigeria looks dangerous through their striker.

4th minute: Brentford’s Frank Onyeka attempts a shot, and there’s an early stoppage as Calvin Bassey collides with a teammate.

1st minute: Nigeria initiates the game!

5 minutes until kickoff: Didier Drogba and Victor Osimhen share a moment before kickoff. Imagine these two as striker partners…

15 minutes until kickoff: It’s nearly 100 degrees at the stadium right now. That’s the typically tough conditions these players have faced so far in this tournament. Substitutions at the right time could be crucial.

20 minutes until kickoff: A stat to watch out for tonight. If Seko Fofana or Jean-Philippe Krasso score, they could become the first player to find the back of the net in both of Ivory Coast’s opening two matches of an Africa Cup of Nations tournament since Gervinho and Yaya Toure in 2013.

35 minutes until kickoff: Your Ivory Coast starting XI: Fofana (GK) — Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan — Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana — Boga, Krasso, Kouame.

45 minutes until kickoff: Elsewhere in Group A, Equatorial Guinea briefly takes top spot as they beat Guinea Bissau 4-2 thanks to Emilio Nsue’s hat-trick.

50 minutes until kickoff: Nigeria’s starting XI this evening: Nwabali (GK) — Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Basey — Onyeka, Zaidu — Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman — Osimhen.

1 hour until kickoff: It should be a cracking atmosphere this evening. Team news is next…

1 hour 30 minutes until kickoff: Could we see Haller in action today? Ivory Coast manager Jean-Louis Gasset provided this update: “The decision to select him was always based on when he would be available and he joined the rest of the team in training and we are hopeful he will be fit.

“We will evaluate his progress and make a judgement on his participation for the match at the appropriate time.”

2 hours until kickoff: Who do you think takes this one? The Sporting News’ live blog coverage will take you right up to kick-off time. Stay tuned.

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria lineups

Sebastien Haller is the only injury concern for Ivory Coast and the Borussia Dortmund striker misses out this evening.

Ivory Coast starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Fofana (GK) — Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan — Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana — Boga, Krasso, Kouame.

Ivory Coast subs: Badra Sangare; Singo, Kossounou, Boly, Diallo, Seri, Diakite, Lazare, Pepe, Gradel, Bamba, Konate.

Nigeria will look to Victor Osimhen as their main man up top for them as Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho is carrying an injury and missed the first game. He may be fit enough to be involved in the squad from the bench.

Nigeria starting lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Nwabali (GK) — Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Basey — Onyeka, Zaidu — Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman — Osimhen.

Nigeria subs: Nzuho, Musa, Aribo, Bruno, Osayi, Iheanacho, Simon, Onuachu, Omeruo, Awaziem, Onyedika

How to watch AFCON 2024?

Here’s how to watch AFCON 2024 matches across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

USA: The tournament will be available on beIN Sports with streaming options on Fubo.

Canada: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage with Fubo Canada on streaming duty.

UK: Selected matches will be available on Sky Sports services with streaming available via Sky GO and Now TV. BBC Sport will also be covering designated games at the tournament.

Australia: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage and streaming services for the tournament.

India: Streaming service FanCode is the place to go for AFCON 2024 matches.