Nigeria 1980 AFCON Hero Singles Out Stand Out Performer Against Ivory Coast

• Nigeria were excellent in their clash against 2023 AFCON hosts Ivory Coast
• Most of their defence produced a commendable performance to seal a 1-0 win
• Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami singled out the top performer from that tie

Nigeria registered their first win of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0. The result meant that the Super Eagles are now on the brink of reaching the last 16.

Nigerian legend and 1980 AFCON winner, Segun Odegbami, singled out the best player in the victory over the hosts while also encouraging the team to beat Guinea-Bissau in their last Group A game.

A well-taken second-half penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong gave the three-time AFCON winners a narrow 1-0 win over Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18.

Jose Peseiro's side are second in Group A with four points behind leaders Equatorial Guinea who won their second game 4-2 against Guinea-Bissau on goal difference.

Jose Peseiro speaks on why Nigeria lost against Guinea ahead of AFCON

Football

Odegbami lauded Ola Aina for his performance, suggesting that he should be studied.

“I saw one of the best and most masterful displays of the right-wings in Aina. That's your last match; they should go and copy it and send it to every football school in the world who wants to know how to play that position," via Premium Times Nigeria.

“It is masterful. In determination and composure, you are just absolutely brilliant.”

Aina's performance deservedly received praise on social media from fans and Super Eagles legend, Sunday Oliseh. The Super Eagles need at least a draw to progress to the last 16. Nigeria beat Guinea-Bissau in the 2021 AFCON, per France 24.

Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau preview

Sports Brief earlier previewed the Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau match set for Monday evening, January 22.

Nigeria have won two of their last three games against the Djurtus who won the other game. Guinea-Bissau have to beat Nigeria to have a chance of reaching the Round of 16.

AFCON 2023: Ahmed Musa Rates Nigeria Chances in Cote d’Ivoire

Football

Therefore, the Djurtus will need a special performance to down the African football giants.

Peseiro on Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro had outlined Nigeria's plan for the crucial AFCON clash against Guinea-Bissau.

The Portuguese tactician stressed that his team were focused on winning the game and aiming to finish top of their group ahead of Ivory Coast.

Guinea-Bissau have lost both their games at the 2023 AFCON and conceded six goals.