AFCON: Osimhen Named Man Of The Match Amid Eagles Triumph

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was adjudged the man of the match in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over host Elephant of Côte d’Ivoire, in the second round of group A games in the Africa Cup Of Nations, AFCON, played on Thursday Alassane Quattara Stadium in Abidjan.

Captain William Troost Ekong gave the three time African champions the lead and their first win of the tournament  in the 55 minute from the penalty spot, after a Video Assistant Referee, VAR, review concluded that the 2023 African player of the year was brought down in the penalty box.

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Osimhen was given the man of the match award and he said he was proud of the team during his reaction to the game.

“First and foremost, it was a fair game and we needed to convert the penalty when the opportunity came our way and I am happy that Troost-Ekong converted the penalty.

“I am really proud of the team’s victory and we look forward to the next game”

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina for his outstanding performance against Côte d’Ivoire.

Aina gave a good account of himself in the keenly contested encounter, as he put up a defensive master class to help the Super Eagles remain second in their group.

Speaking after the closely contested encounter which was a must win for the Super Eagles, Oliseh said the defender played like a true Nigerian.

” Ola Aina! Ola Aina !! Ola Aina!!! What a vintage, Naija like, exceptional performance he put up, as Super Eagles got their groove on to down Cote d’Ivoire 1-0. Frank Onyeka & Calvin Bassey worked herculean too! Bravo boys!! 

Now all focus of Super eagles move to their final game of the AFCON group stage when they trade tackle with Guinea-Bissau on Monday 22nd January 2024.