Ivory Coast vs Nigeria 0-1: CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 – as it happened

But over to the next.

They’re still wrapping up the Palestine vs UAE blog at the Asian Cup – and there’s still more AFCON action to come with Ghana in desperate need of a win.

Join Shubi for that one to see if the Black Cats can find the win they desperately need against Egypt. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT and the build-up is well under way.

Or will the Pharaohs and Mohamed Salah find their first win and send Ghana packing?

A full day of coverage is to come on Friday as well, starting with New Zealand vs Pakistan in the fourth match of their T20 series.

From me, Kevin Hand, for now, it’s goodbye!

William Troost-E̶k̶o̶n̶g̶ 🤷‍♂️
William Troost-E𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 👑#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CIVNGR pic.twitter.com/SLrjxXUMC2

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2024

Although not a glittering display, Nigeria’s work rate left Ivory Coast chasing shadows.

Osimhen was alone in attack for the most part, so on that alone, he perhaps deserved the credit.

The African player of the year also had the first chance of the match but blazed over from a tight angle while under pressure.

Osimhen also won the penalty for Troost-Ekong to convert.

🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬

Nigeria's superstar is your TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 🌟 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CIVNGR | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/SKogEe0BOc

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2024

The five at the back worked for Nigeria as they restricted Ivory Coast to just one shot on target all match.

Equally, the Super Eagles had only three shots on target themselves, and one of those was the goal from the penalty spot.

Osimhen was isolated, but that’s for another day.

For now, Nigeria are close to qualifying, but the hosts must win on the final day of matches in the group as they slip to third.

Nigeria shut the hosts out.

Full-time: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

A chance to pump the ball into the box.

The ball is headed clear.

They just can’t create an opening.

90+7 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

Just one shot on target in the match for the hosts.

90+4 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The hosts will slip to third in the group if they lose.

90+2 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

That’s a surprise given how little there was in the first half.

A big chance for the hosts to find that opening still.

90 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

No goal but he won the penalty.

Onuachu replaces him.

88 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

Fofona has a drive from a long way out, which flies a long way wide.

Seconds later, he’s put through but the ball is too far ahead of him and goes for a goal kick.

85 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The atmosphere is building.

Corner is swung to the far edge of the box and Fofana drives at goal, but it’s blocked and Nigeria clear to Osayi-Samuel, who has just come on.

The sub runs from the halfway line to the area, but is blocked just as he goes to shoot.

He had teammates on either side and they don’t look impressed.

Konate for Krasso is the latest change by the hosts.

82 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

Lookman for Samuel and Sanusi for Omerou for Nigeria, and for Ivory Coast, a dejected Konan is replaced by Diakite.

79 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

Another set piece and another header over.

Both sides are having chances. Who will make theirs count?

The next goal is massive now in this game.

The corner was swung deep, and Ndicka has his work cut out to get over the ball let alone score from that far back.

75 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

A drinks break buys the players two minutes, and immediately after, the ball breaks for Fofana, but the midfielder’s drive from range falls wide.

Powerfully struck, though.

73 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The former Arsenal forward was my pick to be the key player if Ivory Coast were to win the 2023 AFCON.

Ibrahim Sangare has just driven a most optimistic free kick over the bar from all of 40 yards out.

69 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The defender climbs highest but glances a free kick from the deep wide of the far post from 11 metres (12 yards) out.

Triple change for Ivory Coast as Pepe, Singo and Bamba come on for Kouame, Boga and Aurier.

67 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

Headed over by Onyeka.

One of these half-chances will be made to count soon.

65 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The throw is taken long and reaches Osimhen, but the striker can’t keep his header down.

63 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria

The Napoli striker surges down the right and crosses early.

A throw-in is conceded as the defence reach the ball first.

61 minutes: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria