Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in an international friendly played at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.
An 83rd minute strike by Salomon Kalou ensured the Elephants emerged victorious as they continue preparations for their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations outing in Equatorial Guinea. The Elephants came into the game with the intention of avenging their 2-1 defeat against the Super Eagles in the quarter-final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and got their wish as the punished Daniel Amokachi’s men with less than seven minutes to the close of the game following a fleeting loss of concentration by midfielder Rabiu Ali.
Captained by the 2014 African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure, the Elephants began the game on an impressive note as they breached the Nigerians’ defence line twice in the opening two minutes.Gervinho came close to giving Herve Renard’s men the lead after two minutes but a well coordinated defence thwarted his efforts.Nigeria’s first chance came in the 11th minute as Mohammed Gambo came one on one with the Ivorian goalkeeper but failed to put the ball across the goal line.The Elephants then swung into action as they held firm of ball possession but could not get past the Eagles defence, though goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim was impressive in goal as he denied Gervinho again in the 27th minute with a well worked save.Even with the introduction of Gbolahan Salami in the second half, Nigeria failed to get the goals as their final touch in the attack was poor and often got corner kicks as consolation.With less than seven minutes to the end of the game, Kalou gave the Ivorians something to cheer about as he slotted home from Tiote’s cross after Ali had lost the ball while trying to go flashy with the ball.
Nigeria's tour of United Arab Emirates will come to an end with a game against Sudan on January 17.While the Eagles will not take part in this year's tournament, the Elephants will hope they can end their 23-year search for another continental title.
