Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned their first win against Ivory Coast, their first since defeating Mozambique 3-2.
Former Super Eagles star Austin Jay Jay Okocha has praised his team for their impressive 1-0 win over Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The winning goal, scored by PAOK defender William Troost-Ekong from the penalty spot, was Nigeria’s first win since their 3-2 victory over Mozambique.
After the match, Okocha told Soccernet.ng that the Super Eagles deserved the win and put in a great performance against the 2015 AFCON champions.
The win gives the Super Eagles four points, level with league leaders Equatorial Guinea on goal difference, and puts them in a good position heading into the Round of 16.
When asked about his thoughts on Nigeria’s victory over the Ivory Coast national team, Okocha expressed his happiness and stressed that the team got a well-deserved victory.
“I feel really good. You know, that’s one of the reasons we’re here – to encourage the team, and they (Super Eagles) played really well today. We deserved to win today,” he asked.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to repeat their 2013 success and win their fourth AFCON trophy with the slogan ‘Let’s do it again’.
On the team’s chances against Ivory Coast, Okocha acknowledged the unpredictability of football but praised the team’s unified performance and determination.
He added: “I mean, anything is possible in football. But it’s a big step. The first game wasn’t easy, but I love the reaction they showed today. They knew what they needed. And they all worked as a team, which gave us hope.”
The Napoli striker was named man of the match, Troost-Ekong scored the winning goal, and Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey were cheered by the fans.
When asked about the players who stood out in the match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Okocha highlighted the collective teamwork and hard work, especially in defence.
“The team played well. It was a team effort and they worked really hard, especially defensively,” he said.
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Nigeria’s progression to the next round will depend on whether they can avoid defeat in their next match against Guinea-Bissau, but Ivory Coast gained three points in the final group stage game against Equatorial Guinea to keep their hopes alive. I’m thinking of keeping it.
