Nigeria Provides Disciplined Display and Nick it 1-0 over host Ivory Coast......

 Abidjan -- Embattled Manager Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles to a disciplined display with a base 5-4-1 formation, rarely seen under the ultra-attacking Manager. He ditched the two-forward set that he had fallen in love with and instead took an ultra defensive approach in beating Ivory Coast 1-0 in a critical AFCON group game in Abidjan to keep Nigeria's knockout stage qualification hopes alive.

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Embattled Manager Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles to a disciplined display with a base 5-4-1 formation rarely seen under the ultra-attacking Manager. He ditched the two-forward set that he had fallen in love with and instead took an ultra defensive approach in beating Ivory Coast 1-0 ......

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Nigeria was ultra disciplined and maintained their lines religiously by relying on quick counters to rattle the host team. But it was Nigeria that had the first half-chance but Osimhen sent the ball over the top after 7 minutes. A minute later, it was goalie Stanley Nwabali who saved Nigeria from tears as Sanusi's tame back-pass header was almost intercepted by an onrushing attacker. With Peseiro keeping a few of his men back, at every corner kick for Nigeria, there was always the chance of a big breakaway from the Nigerians. 

Skipper William Ekong won the game for Nigeria to keep Pesseiro dreaming

Ivory Coast took control, but it was only brief as Nigeria began to give as much as it suffered. The Ivoreins, sensing difficulty breaking through the toughened 5-man defensive line set up by Nigeria, began to attempt long range shots but Nwabali was unruffled. Whatever the Ivoreins may have heard about Nigeria's poor goalkeeping did not materialize. In any case, it was neither Uzoho nor Okoye in goal. This was Nwabali and a new dawn had set in.

With the half ending goalless, it appeared Nigeria was going to eke out at least a tie from this game. Instead, Nigeria went for the jugular. A quick move sent a ball high into Osimhen's path inside the left box but as he set to bring down the ball, Diomande kicked his heel. It required a VAR check to confirm a deserved penalty kick award. Skipper William Ekong, recently released from Peseiro's dog house, stepped up to rifle a fierce shot from the spot to the right of the goalkeeper for the only score of the game. It had been only 53 minutes gone on the clock.

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A quick move sent a ball high into Osimhen's path inside the left box but as he set to bring down the ball, Diomande kicked his foot. It required a VAR check to confirm a deserved penalty kick award. Skipper William Ekong, recently released from Peseiro's dog house stepped up to rifle a fierce shot from the spot to the right of the goalkeeper for the only score of the game.

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Although Ivory Coast fired back but they lacked the finesse and confidence to breach the Nigerians, One must wonder about the Ivoreins and their credentials to win the AFCON at home. The cutting edge was lacking but in reality Nigeria, on this day, was giving it all. Ivory Coast, however, had an opportunity in the 71st minute as a loose ball broke through Nigeria's rear but Nwabali quickly rushed out to palm the ball into safety.

It was telling that even with nine minutes of added time, Ivory Coast rarely posed any serious danger to the Nigerians. In the end, Peseiro had a day when Nigerians will praise him.

Ratings

Stanley Nwabali (23) -- 6.8 -- Nwabali was very good pulling at least three saves  and he appeared self assured throughout. This is a characteristic often missing from this position for years now. He received a late booking for time wasting.

Ola Aina (2) -- 7.8 -- Nigeria's best player on the day. He was solid defensively and also provided the desired width when the team attacked. However, he was mostly left to defend ass Nigeria shored up a defense that was regularly conceding in every game.

Zaidu Sanusi (3) -- 6.0 -- He had an average game and suffered several early fouls He was eventually replaced in the second half as Nigeria sought to strongly protect its lead.

Semi Ajayi (6) - 6.2 -- He had an average day but remained disciplined. He had one opportunity to score from a set piece but his header went slightly above.

William Ekong (cpt-5) -- 7.5 -- One of Nigeria's heroes after arriving at this AFCON from the manager's imposed "dog-house." He tucked away the penalty to win the game. Beyond that, his confidence at the back was inspiring all day long.

Calvin Bassey (21) - 6.2 -- Bassey grew as the game went along and his defense, at the point of attack, was the best on either side of the ball.

Ademola Lookman (18) -- 6.8 -- Ademola was the most serious than he ever has been in a Nigerian shirt. He worked very hard in ball recovery before he was later substituted. Perhaps, he suffered the most fouls on the Nigerian side.

Frank Onyeka (8) -- 6.8 -- Frank improved as the game went on and he won several possessions for Nigeria.  Late in the game, he provided a lecture on ball protection in his own half, frustrating several Ivoreins seeking the ball.

Alex Iwobi (17) -- 6.4 -- Iwobi had an average game but he helped Nigeria maintain possession of the ball through out. Nothing spectacular but he played with assurance throughout the game.

Samuel Chukwueze (11) -- 6.2 -- Samu was ready to play today with his effort early but he appeared not to be in sync with team mates several times with off-speed passes. He was fouled in the box after a second half breakaway but there was no call.

Victor Osimhen (9) - 6.4 -- Victor assisted on the goal by suffering a foul that led to the penalty kick award.  He had an early first half chance that he shot wide but it was a half chance.

Bright Osayi-Samuel (12) - 6.1 -- Bright had one spectacular second half run in a break away but his slow decision making denied Nigeria a second goal when Nigeria had a 2 to 1 man advantage.

Kenneth Omeruo(22) - X

Paul Onuachu (19) -- X

Simon Moses (15) - X

Lineup: Nwabali -- Aina, Ajayi, Ekong (cpt), Bassey, Sanusi (79th Omeruo) -- Chukwueze (85th Simon),  Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman (79th Osayi-Samuel) -- Osimhen (87th Onuachu).