Osimhen toasts ‘statement’ win for Nigeria

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said his team had “made a statement” in beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday to close on a place in the last 16. “It feels good. Not an easy game of course. We knew the Ivorians would come strong against us,” Osimhen said after […]

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said his team had “made a statement” in beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday to close on a place in the last 16.

“It feels good. Not an easy game of course. We knew the Ivorians would come strong against us,” Osimhen said after captain William Troost-Ekong’s 55th-minute penalty decided the Group A showdown at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.

“We came with a game plan and we executed it. I am happy about this win. It’s a big win for us and we keep on building on this momentum.”

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening game at the tournament, a match in which Osimhen scored.

• Insecurity: Sharia council seeks more powers for governors
• 3 arrested as gunmen abduct chief, teenagers in Kwara

This result leaves them level on four points at the top of the section with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday.

The Super Eagles know a draw in their last match against already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau will guarantee progress as one of the top two teams.

“This game against Ivory Coast was a big statement game for us,” said Osimhen, who won the decisive penalty after being brought down in the box by Ousmane Diomande.

“We needed to win and make a statement in a competition like the AFCON.

“It was important to start well. We waited for them in the midfield, waiting for them to make mistakes, but I am really happy about this win and we will keep on going from here.”