A 45th minute goal by Ifeanyi Matthew was all Nigeria needed to defeat West African rivals Cote D’Ivoire in a final pre-tournament test match at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Ezenwa leads the home based team out of the dressing room for their match against Cote d’Ivoire. It ended, Nigeria 1 – 0 Cote d’Ivoire
The goal came just before half time as both teams completed their final preparations and will now move to Rwanda where the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) will commence in January 16.
It was a very balanced game as both sides showed class and good use of techniques and tactics, but it was obvious the Sunday Oliseh-tutored boys were better in the first 45 minutes.
The crossbar came to the rescue for the Ivorians after Tunde Adeniji squared the ball for Ikechukwu Ibenegbu’s from the right flank.
Nigeria should have extended their lead as Tunde Adeniji and Ezekiel Bassey wasted a couple of chances.
It ended 1 – 0 in favour of Nigeria.
However, the home based Eagles scheduled to hit Rwanda on Friday January 15 will land in the host nation strong having defeated Ama Tuks 3-0 and played a 1-1 draw with fellow CHAN bound team, the Palancas Negras of Angola.
Nigeria play their first game at the tournament against Niger on Monday January 18.
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