At the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria secured a vital victory against Ivory Coast, thanks to a second-half penalty scored by skipper William Troost-Ekong. The lone goal proved decisive, earning Nigeria three crucial points in their quest for knockout stage qualification. Nigeria benefited significantly from the presence of VAR, as the technology played a pivotal role in the 52nd minute. Referee Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria initially overlooked a kick on the thigh of Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year. After a VAR intervention, the referee reversed his decision, awarding Nigeria a penalty. Troost-Ekong, the Nigerian captain, displayed composure and precision from the 18-yard spot, expertly slotting the ball into the middle of the goal. This flawless execution left the Ivory Coast goalkeeper guessing, ultimately sending him the wrong way to his left. Having previously drawn 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their group A opener, Nigeria sought a crucial win to regain momentum. Equatorial Guinea's 4-2 victory over Guinea Bissau heightened the importance of Nigeria's win, placing them in a favorable position for qualification. With this win, Nigeria now sits level on points with log leaders Equatorial Guinea in Group A, although Equatorial Guinea holds a superior goal difference. As for Guinea Bissau, they became the first team to be eliminated from the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. For Ivory Coast, the path to the knockout stage has become more challenging. With three points to their name, they face a must-win encounter against log leaders in their final group match. Meanwhile, Nigeria will confront already ousted Guinea Bissau. The pressure now shifts to Ivory Coast to deliver a convincing performance in their last group match, aiming to surpass their earlier 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in the tournament opener.