Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recorded their first win at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) after securing a stunning 1-0 win over host nation Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on Thursday.

William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty, awarded to Nigeria following consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the 18-yard box, was enough to give Nigeria the maximum points.

Nigeria could have gone ahead in the early minutes of the game, but Osimhen, who came face to face with the goalkeeper, could not convert a through pass from the midfield by Ademola Lookman.

The Côte d’Ivoire’s came to scoring in the first half when Zaidu Sanusi failed to clear out a ball into Nigeria’s box, giving Christian Kouame to test the goalkeeper. But Stanley Nwabili came through and denied the attack.

With the win, Nigeria moved to second in Group A with four points, the same as Equatorial Guinea, but the latter are ahead of Nigeria courtesy of superior goal difference.

Côte d’Ivoire are third with three points while Guinea-Bissau sit at the base with zero point after losing their first two matches of the tournament.