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The Super Eagles defeated Ivory Coast at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but Ian Wright was left fuming during the match.
Former Arsenal star Ian Wright is unhappy with the state of the pitch that hosted Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 clash against Ivory Coast.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright slams Nigeria vs Ivory Coast Pitch
Wright took in the action as the two West African giants battled in their second Group A match at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé.
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21:36 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Osimhen is inevitable as Peseiro’s gamble pays off in Nigeria’s win over Ivory Coast
The Super Eagles claimed a statement win after beating the hosts in their second match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria took home the three points as they stunned the hosts, courtesy of an emphatic penalty from William Troost-Ekong after Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box.
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But while Nigeria claimed a statement win that took them above Ivory Coast, Wright was not happy with the state of the pitch.
The former England international called the pitch ridiculous in a rant on his official X, formerly known as Twitter, page.
Wright said: The state of this pitch in the Ivory Coast vs Nigeria game!!! Ridiculous #AFCON23.
Wright is right in his assessment, though, as there were few defects on the pitch, which affected both team’s games.
Nigeria set to return to Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé
Teams that will play on the pitch will now hope the maintenance team can work on it before the next round of matches.
20:30 - 18.01.2024
Super Eagles 1-0 Ivory Coast: Nigerians say penalty hero Ekong deserved Man of the Match ahead of Osimhen
See what Nigerians are saying about the 'angry' penalty taken by Ekong as Super Eagles beat Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles will hope that is the case, even though their next match is at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Nigeria take on Guinea-Bissau in their final group match but could return to the Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé if they finish top of their group.
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The Super Eagles are currently second, level on points with the leaders, Equatorial Guinea. But with the Guineans facing Ivory Coasts in their final group match, Nigeria are favourites to finish top of the group.
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AFCON 2023: Osimhen is inevitable as Peseiro’s gamble pays off in Nigeria’s win over Ivory Coast
The Super Eagles claimed a statement win after beating the hosts in their second match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
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