Victor Osimhen It didn't just start yesterday, and the rival nature of the match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and its Ivorian opponent, nicknamed "the Elephants" will not end soon, as the two West African international football teams locked horns at the 2023 Edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Being the host, the Elephants of Ivory Coast were favored by many football analysts to defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria, considering their outings in the opening matches.
Recall that the Elephants of Ivory Coast defeated Guinea Bissau 2 goals to nil while the Nigerian Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria played a fantastic game against Equatorial Guinea but lacked goal luck. Notwithstanding, Nigerian Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, better a goal for the Super Eagles to dash the earlier hope of Equatorial Guinea which was leading with one goal.
Ahead of the Ivory Coast game against the Super Eagles, it was a matter of must-win for the Elephants, however, Super Eagles also needed a win, to restore the hope of pushing forth in the competition, after Equatorial Guinea defeated Guinea Bissau early in the day.
Nigeria's Super Eagles played a wobble "Defensive Game" against the Ivory Coast but the experience possessed by Osimhen assisted Nigeria to defeat the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
Osimhen was kicked on the foot by an Ivorian player who was trying to prevent him from controlling and firing a ball inside the Ivorian goalkeeper's area.
The Referee did not recognize the rolling Osimhen, as he had opted for a play-on but Osimhen's professionalism forced the Referee to go for a review of the event that led to Osimhen's downfall.
A VAR review of the event forced the Referee to adjudge a penalty for Nigeria which was the only goal in the game.
If not for Osimhen's professionalism and experience, Nigeria would have ended the game on a goalless draw as the Ivorian Elephants played an attacking football while the Nigerian Super Eagles held to a defensive football.
Category: World-News
Tag: AFCON How Osimhen Forced Super Eagles Ahead of the Ivorian Side
Written by Author (author)
Published 1/19/2024 11:14:51 PM