Ivory Coast vs Nigeria (0-1): African Cup of Nation (AFCON) 2024 live updates
The Africa Cup of Nations featured an exciting clash between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, a match that shaped the destiny of Group A leadership.
Before the match Ivory Coast held the top spot after a convincing 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau in their Afcon opener, showcasing confidence under the guidance of French manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
Nigeria, on the other hand, faced an unexpected setback with a surprising 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their previous encounter.
The outcome of this matchup played a pivotal role in determining the group standings.
Live updates
10′ Both Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire have missed great chances that could have led to a goal. The game is getting soaked with tensions.
The Super Eagles are playing more deep in the defense. The hosts will definitely have a lot of work to do in breaking this wall!
12′ A good cross from Samuel Chuwueze eventually led to a corner kick. Pressure mounts on the Ivorians but they have survived the scare.
15′ Goalkeeper Nwabili calmly grips a close range shot to ease the pressure off Nigeria.
18′ Zaidu Sanusi is down and he is currently being attended to by the medics after a rash tackle from Kessie
20′ The stake in the game is higher. Equatorial Guinea’s 4-2 victory over Guinea Bissau has placed ‘must win’ pressure on both teams.
23′ Two corner kicks in succession for Super Eagles as they seem to be dominating the game upfront.
25′ Cooling break for both teams. It’s 31 degrees hot.
Possession: Cote D’Ivoire 57.5% – Nigeria 42.5%
30′ It’s half hour mark and no goal yet from this game. Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong is being attended to by the medical team.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili made a great save earlier to the admiration of many fans.
38′ It’s been an interesting game so far here and both teams have had a fair share of the possession.
40′ Nigeria has been interplaying a switch of 5/3 players in the defense. This is a tactical approach of Coach Paseiro which is being implemented by the players. Will this give them results? Time will tell.
45′ A corner kick for Nigeria as we awaits what the added minute will be
46′ Off target! Zaidu Sanusi blasts off a shot in front of the box
It’s three minutes added time
48′ A quick play from Osimhen who finds Samuel Chukwueze. His final pass to Ademola Lookman seems too much to grab. Disappointed!
Half-time: Cote D’Ivoire 0-0 Nigeria
Analysis: One of the major highlights of the first half for the Eagles was when Victor Osimhen missed a sitter and a cool save from Stanley Nwabali.
The Super Eagles also had a brilliant play in the defense and many can only hope that they continue to be impressive
Credit Cote ‘d’ivoire’s defense for surviving a lot of goal onslaughts from Eagles in the first half. The hosts played with a lot of cautions and have also shown some glimpses of hope.
The second half holds a lot of things for both teams. We also expect some substitutions from both ends and the game may be won from the bench. Fingers crossed.
Second Half
The second half is upon us as both teams file out for another decisive 45 minutes of action. Let’s sit back and enjoy the game.
46′ Cote D’Ivoire sets the game up with the kick off pass
47′ Calvin Bassey led out of the pitch after an aerial clash with an Ivorian player
52′ VAR penalty check : The centre referee rushes down to the sideline to review a foul against Victor Osimhen in the box.
Nigeria Super Eagles get a penalty! An opportunity to go ahead of the Ivorian
55′ Goal! Nigeria takes the lead as William Troost-Ekong scores a penalty! The stadium goes wild.
60′ Fouls so far! Cote ‘d’ivoire (9)- Nigeria (5)
63′ Nigeria increases their efforts to get the second goal. They now have a corner kick as their dominance continues
64′ Cote D’Ivoire preparing to make substitutions. We can see three players dressing up already!
66′ Cote D’Ivoire wins a free kick as Ola Aina fouled Boga
67′ Three substitutions for Cote D’Ivoire. The hosts are determined to change the rhythm of the game
70′ Cooling break for the teams.
72′ Nigeria makes first substitution as Simon Moses replaces Samuel Chukwueze
73′ A great save from Goalkeeper Nwabili! He rushed out to push the ball to safety as Nicolas Pepe approached to fire in.
75′ Cote D’Ivoire substitutes are beginning to make impacts on the game-keeping Super Eagles on their toes in the backline.
77′ Nigeria wins a free kick in the middle of the park as Sangare held down Ademola Lookman
79′ Two substitutions for Nigeria: Osayi Samuel in for Ademola Lookman and Kenneth Omeruo comes in for Zaidu Sanusi
81′ Cote d’ivoire makes another substitution as the game grows more tough
84′ Nigeria launched a counter attack but Osayi Samuel failed to make the goal-bound move counts.
84′ Cote D’Ivoire makes their last substitution
85′ Relief for Nigeria as Fofana fires a shot wayward
88′ Nigeria Sub! Victor Osimhen out for Paul Onuachu
90′ We have 9 minutes added time to play
90+2 Goalkeeper Nwabali gets a caution card for time wasting
90+5 … Time is tickling away and Nigerians hope this is a victory secured
90+ 8′ Relief for Nigerians as referee ruled out penalty protest from the Ivorians
Full time: Cote D’Ivoire 0-1 Nigeria
Victory secured for the Super Eagles
