AFCON 2023: Reaction From Abidjan As Victor Osimhen Wins VAR Penalty to Give Nigeria Slim Win

• Victor Osimhen won a debatable penalty as Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0
• William Troost-Ekong fired home a penalty that ultimately won the game
• The Super Eagles are joint-top of Group A and on the verge of advancing

An atmospheric day turned into a deflated evening in Abidjan.

Nigeria earned a frenetic win against a spirited Ivory Coast in front of an expectant home crowd in their AFCON 2023 Group A match.

The Super Eagles would have been emersed in orange and white all day as the capital city bounced with anticipation for this West African derby.

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Ousmane Diomande was adjudged to have impeded Victor Osimhen as he looked to control the ball in the box.

Osimhen had just beat Diomande to the ball when the Ivorian appeared to have clipped the calf of the CAF African Player of the Year.

AFCON 2023: Ranking the Top 6 biggest controversial moments in the history of AFCON

Football

The referee was called the VAR booth and awarded the penalty that was driven home by William Troost-Ekong. The moment was sure to divide and those hoping the Super Eagles would fail were unanimous in their thinking.

Fans react to Nigeria's penalty vs Ivory Coast

Others applauded the referee, noting the bravery it took to award a penalty in front of 60,000 Ivorians in Abidjan.

JJ Omojuwa posted on X:

"Surprised the referee gave that penalty against the host team. I don’t think anyone would have complained too hard if he didn’t."

Meanwhile, Nigerian fans praised their hero Osimhen for his game awareness.

Lola Ohunrin posted:

"Osimhen staying down inside that box after the foul is the most professional thing I’ve seen a footballer do. He forced the hand of the referee to get a penalty. What a KING."

The result puts Nigeria on four points and they are now virtually in the Round of 16.

When Pitso Mosimane failed to read the AFCON qualification rules costing Bafana Bafana

Football

Still wanting more, SirDickson stated:

"Don't get me wrong, I'm happy we have scored. But must we always rely on penalty? We are still playing nonsense."

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ Click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

VAR decisions set to be explained

Sports Brief also previously reported on incoming changes to the Video Assistant Referee protocol.

FIFA is reportedly set to approve a groundbreaking change in the usage of the VAR in major leagues.

The move is aimed at informing in-stadium crowds and audiences at home about the decisions taken.