Nigeria Secures Crucial Victory in Total Energies Group (A) Qualification Race

In a mouthwatering Group A clash, Nigeria dealt a significant blow to AFCON hosts Cote D'Ivoire's hopes of AFCON knockout qualification with a 1-0 victory at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

The packed stadium witnessed an intense battle between the two West African giants, culminating in William Troost-Ekong converting a 54th-minute penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled, leaving the Ivorian fans stunned.

Despite fervent support for the Elephants, they couldn't find an equalizer, and the Super Eagles expertly managed the closing stages, securing a historic victory and handing Cote d'Ivoire their first defeat.

This victory put Nigeria to the top of Group A alongside the surprise package Equatorial Guinea, both with four points. Cote d'Ivoire sits in third place with three points, likely needing a win against Equatorial Guinea to advance to the knockout stage.