Sunday 3 February 2013

Nigeria dump Ivorian Elephants out of 2013 AFCON with 2-1 victory


The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday 3rd February 2013 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium beat the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire by 2 – 1 to reach the last 4 of the ongoing 2013 AFCON tournament in South Africa.

 Nigeria drew first blood through Emmanuel Emenike in the 43rd minute by unleashing a cannon of a shot from somewhat beyond 20 yards that swept past the Ivorian goalkeeper for the opener.  Afterwards Nigeria fancied their chances of going ahead to eliminate the competition’s favourite and never looked back ending the first half with the slim goal advantage.

The resumption of the second half saw a resurgent Ivorian team who pressed on looking for the equalizer. Their efforts soon paved the way as Drogba feigned a foul to win a free kick to the right of the Nigeria penalty box. The Ivorian captain stepped up to play the free kick and delivered a sublime cross to the back post for Cheik Tiote to head into the back of the net beyond Vincent Enyeama on 50 minutes.

The Ivorian’s continued to show the initiative with Nigeria soaking up the pressure and calming down the game and resulting to deep midfield play and spirited counter attacking displays.

Nigeria’s Ideye came close to increasing the tally in the 66th minute as he rose highest in the box but his header met the path of the Ivorian keeper. The game continued in its ding dong affair with both teams trying to score the decisive goal and it almost came off the boot of Yaya Toure for Cote D’Ivoire as his powerfully belted grounder was parried out of danger by Vincent Enyeama who was continually getting busy to help Nigeria stay in the game.

Nigeria’s surging runs on the counter eventually paid off as home-based Sunday Mba chose the 78th minute to run at the Ivorian defence before lobbing the ball over a hapless Boubacar Barry in goal for the Elephants.

Nigeria held on amidst a late onslaught by the Ivorians and a last grasp tackle in the Nigerian penalty box by John Mikel Obi in the 86th minute to deny Lacina Traore a shot at goal proved to be decisive in ensuring Nigeria go into the semifinals against fellow West Africans Mali at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday 6th February.

The golden generation of Ivorian football comprising Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Didier Zokora have yet again failed to live up to the hype of their credentials.

                     

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10 comments:

  1. Anonymous3 February 2013 at 21:42

    The Eagles were truly amazing! They came to the party and put a smile on the faces of all Nigerians who never had hope in them. Can we keep writing them off maybe that may hear them to win the tournament?

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  2. Unknown3 February 2013 at 22:54

    Well done Eagles!!!

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  3. Topsy Special One4 February 2013 at 05:19

    Very fantastic display by Nigeria. Special mention of Kenneth Oneruo who kept Drogba quiet all through and mikel who took charge of the midfield.

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  4. Anonymous4 February 2013 at 06:54

    Too much ego in the Ivoriens made it much easier for Nigeria! Hope the team would keep their head calm and play wonderfully on Wednesday with The Malians!

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  5. topsy special 14 February 2013 at 08:15

    i hope they will not be complacent against Mali. This should be Nigeria's moment once again. Kudos to the entire team once again.

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  6. Deola4 February 2013 at 11:38

    I still can't believe they pulled it through, it was amazing,there passes were still inaccurate and they still displayed their non-challant attitude til they scored the 2nd goal.....Emenike,Moses,totally awesome!I wish them luck against the Malians

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  7. Anonymous4 February 2013 at 12:14

    It will be a battle of the eagles.... All da best SUPER eagles

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  8. The Only Special 1 Wale4 February 2013 at 17:25

    No love lost. The Holy trinity of Chelsea in the shape of Mikel, Moses and Omeruo prove to the old Chelsea generation of Drogba and Kalou that the young have indeed grown. I learnt Drogba came into the Eagles dressing room afterwards, charging them to win the trophy for CIV. I hope your flip flop Eagles wouldn't be a shadow of themselves against Mali though. Personally, I think the quality of those teams that made it to the semi's doesn't speak well about the quality of African football. I don't see any of these teams advancing beyond the 1st round in the world cup. It means it's anyone's for the taking and the one with most guts will go for glory.

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  9. Anonymous5 February 2013 at 20:40

    Keshi and boys wOke up because they were criticized to death by their countrymen...congrats to them...

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  10. The Only Special 1 Wale6 February 2013 at 15:26

    Today's battle between the Super Eagles of Nigerian and Les Aigles (The Eagles) of Mali makes for an interesting show down. Coach Stephen "the big boss" Keshi had previously coached the Malian Eagles and now oversees the affairs of the Nigerian Eagles. Which eagle will sour the highest? Keshi was with the Mali team for 2 years but has only been with the Nigerian team for under a year. Does he know the Malian side more than he has experience with his current Nigerian eagles? Many questions begging an answer. By 6pm today, we shall have all our asnwers. Best wishes eagles. Which eagles? :)

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