The Super Eagles of Nigeria boosted their chance of qualifying for the second round of the ongoing AFCON by beating the hosts country, Cote D’Ivoire 1-0.
Nigerians had earlier cultivated their doubts in the ability of the Super Eagles after playing out 1-1 draw with the Equatorial Guinea in their first game.
Charged with the need for redemption, the Eagles went into the game with a renewed vigour and tactical approach that would later pay off.
Victor Osimhen had the opportunity to push the Eagles to the lead early in the game but the African footballer of the year missed a sitter to the chagrin of many.
The hosts would also be gifted with a chance in the 8th minute but goalkeeper Nwabali spread himself to make a save.
Both teams played out the first half with caution and headed into the break with the spoils shared.
Just a few minutes into the second half, a goal onslaught from the Eagles saw Victor Osimhen hit in his ankle and the incident called for VAR review.
As many predicted, the Referee pointed to the spot and Captain William Troost-Ekong wasted no time to send the Eagles to the lead with his shot-ladened penalty in the 55th minute.
The hosts consequently made three substitutions boost their attacking line but the Eagles defense stood their ground.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rose to the occasion again in the 73rd minutes when he rushed out to push a ball to safety as Nicolas Pepe approached to fire in.
After repelling the attack, Super Eagles were presented with an opportunity with a counter attack but Osayi Samuel failed to make the goal-bound move count.
While the resolve of the Eagles were put to the test in the last minutes, they also survived a major scare when the Ivorians protested for penalty which was duly ruled out by the Referee.
That the victory is secured, the Eagles go into their last game with four points and sit behind Equatorial Guinea on the table with the same points but a goal difference.
Eagles will face Guinea Bissau on Sunday when they hope to finish the job to secure a place in the round of 16.