By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-21 06:58:44
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 1-0 win against Côte d’Ivoire in their second Group A game at the AFCON 2023 in Abidjan on Thursday, thanks to a second half penalty from William Troost-Ekong. The team entered the match after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, but the win against Côte d’Ivoire has raised hopes of another AFCON final appearance.
The belief that Nigeria could be heading for another final appearance at this year’s tournament is backed up by historical results. In 1980, the Eagles played a goalless draw against Côte d’Ivoire in the group stage, but still went on to win the tournament. 10 years later, in 1990, Nigeria secured a 1-0 win against Côte d’Ivoire in the group stage, eventually advancing to the final, where they were defeated by Algeria. In 1994, Nigeria faced Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals, drawing 2-2 but clinching a 4-2 victory in the ensuing penalty shootout to reach the final and win the tournament. Finally, in 2013, despite being underdogs, Nigeria defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the quarter-finals before accelerating to win the AFCON championship.
These historical results have contributed to a belief among fans and experts that the Super Eagles have a strong chance of making it to the AFCON finals this year. With each confrontation against Côte d’Ivoire resulting in a successful tournament for Nigeria, there is a strong sense of optimism regarding the team’s performance this year. Nigeria’s victory over Côte d’Ivoire in the second group stage match has only strengthened this sense of belief and hope for another successful AFCON campaign.
Read the original article on The Guardian
