Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, says discipline and tactical switch in formation earned the team victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

After a pulsating match, Finidi told the Newsmen in Abidjan that the boys played to instructions in a very tactical game against the hosts.

“We are very happy with the victory but nothing has been done yet.

“It was a tactical game, we switched formation and had to defend most of the time and use counter-attacks from the flanks.

“It’s a team (Cote d’Ivoire) that is very good on the ball, so we had to sit back a bit, close the spaces and go on counter-attacks,” he said.

The coach said despite the win, the boys will not get carried away but will work harder in their next match against Guinea Bissau on Monday.

“We will keep our cool in the next match because nothing has been achieved yet, we go all out again,” he said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently second in Group A will face Guinea-Bissau on Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches from 5pm

William Troost Ekong’s  second-half penalty gave Nigeria a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, turning up the heat on the host country whose hopes of reaching the last 16 remain in the balance.

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said his team had “made a statement” in beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday to close on a place in the last 16.

“It feels good. Not an easy game of course. We knew the Ivorians would come strong against us,” Osimhen said after captain William Troost-Ekong’s 55th-minute penalty decided the Group A showdown at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.

“We came with a game plan and we executed it. I am happy about this win. It’s a big win for us and we keep on building on this momentum.”

Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening game at the tournament, a match in which Osimhen scored.

This result leaves them level on four points at the top of the section with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday.

The Super Eagles know a draw in their last match against already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau will guarantee progress as one of the top two teams.

However, four of the best third-placed sides also advance to the last 16.

“This game against Ivory Coast was a big statement game for us,” said Osimhen, who won the decisive penalty after being brought down in the box by Ousmane Diomande.

“We needed to win and make a statement in a competition like the AFCON.

“It was important to start well. We waited for them in the midfield, waiting for them to make mistakes, but I am really happy about this win and we will keep on going from here.”

The reigning African footballer of the year said he “really didn’t mind” that coach Jose Peseiro told Troost-Ekong to take the penalty rather than him.

Nigeria now face Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan on Monday and the three-time AFCON winners will be wary of a team that defeated them in qualifying in Abuja last March.

Osimhen said, “We know them. We played them in qualifying and we know how dangerous they can be. We can never take any game lightly.”

Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Ouattara, with William Troost-Ekong’s penalty proving to be the decisive goal. Here’s a breakdown of the Super Eagles’ individual performances:

1. Christian Nwabali (8/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper delivered another standout performance, showcasing excellent decision-making, commanding the defense, and making three crucial saves in the match. Maybe the Eagles goalkeeping department has found a solution.
2. Ola Aina (7.5/10): The Nottingham Forest full-back impressed with his defensive duels, putting in a resilient performance and effectively neutralizing Jeremie Boga. Aina was enterprising with his moves going forward.
3. William Troost-Ekong (8/10): The captain led by example, converting the penalty confidently and providing a solid defensive display, winning all of his tackles. Match-winner.
4. Semi Ajayi (6.5/10): While Ajayi initially struggled with the physicality, he grew into the game, disrupting the opponent’s defense with aerial threats from set-pieces.
5. Calvin Bassey (7.5/10): Bassey’s physical strength played a vital role in defense, winning nine duels and combining well with Zaidu Sanusi. Kudos to Peseiro for the tactical switch.
6. Zaidu Sanusi (6.5/10): The Porto full-back was defensively solid and handled set-piece duties well. However, his final ball in attack lacked precision.
7. Frank Onyeka (7/10): Positioned in an advanced role, Onyeka caused problems for the Ivorian team with effective ball disruptions and defensive contributions. His tackles to disrupt the opposition attacks was vital for the Eagles.
8. Alex Iwobi (7/10): Placed in central midfield in Pesiero’s new formation, Iwobi showcased creativity with five key passes and active defensive involvement with six ball recoveries.
9. Ademola Lookman (6.5/10): Lookman created three chances and displayed accurate set-piece deliveries. However, physicality affected his overall impact, unlike in the game vs Equatorial Guinea.
10. Samuel Chukwueze (6/10): Despite possessing trickery and pace, Chukwueze struggled with decision-making in the final third, limiting his impact. Should have done better when he got into promising attacking positions.
11. Victor Osimhen (8/10): Osimhen won the penalty, showcased excellent hold-up play, and received long balls effectively under intense pressure. Voted official man-of-the-match.

Substitutes:

12. Bright Osayi-Samuel (5/10): Introduced late in the game, Osayi-Samuel’s decision-making hampered a chance to score the second goal.
13. Moses Simon (5.5/10): Substituted in the 72nd minute, Simon struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
14. Kenneth Omeruo: Came on to help secure the victory in the final minutes.

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro says they used a strategy that worked for them in their hard-fought 1-0 win over TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire hosts on Thursday evening.

The Portuguese technician is delighted to have put in place “a strategy that worked” against the hosts who had the backing of a highly vocal crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe.

However, he acknowledges having noted some improvement areas during this match won thanks to a penalty caused by Victor Osimhen and converted by William Troost-Ekong in the 55th minute.

“For the next match we have to control the game, try to be less timid and not give possession to the opponent,” he said.

For José Peseiro, this victory does not suddenly make Nigeria one of the favourites of the competition.

“I told my players not to savour the victory. We have four days left before the next match. From day one I told them: ‘you must win the AFCON’,” he said.

Nigeria faces Guinea-Bissau on Monday, 22 January at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches at 17h00 GMT.