Côte d'Ivoire's national team set off on its quest for the African Cup of Nations on Monday night with a well-deserved win against Nigeria's Super Eagles.
Right from the opening whistle, style, speed and intensity permeated the highly-anticipated encounter, which fully met expectations. Nigeria's offensive strategy was reflected in the presence of four forwards - Kanu, Yakubu, Martins and Utaka, to which Côte d'Ivoire responded by lining up three of their own - Drogba, Kalou and Dindane.Nigeria dominated the midfield, led by the highly experienced Kanu, a talented Mikel Obi and the indefatigable Olofinjana. But facing them, Yaya Toure was manoeuvring skillfully, backed by Didier Zokora.
Neither a powerful free kick over the crossbar from Taye Taiwo, nor Obafemi Martins' incursion was able to shake the Ivorian bloc. Almost the entire first half of the game was a battle for the midfield. The turning point of the match came when Kanu, Nigeria's captain, was injured and replaced in the 55th minute.
The Portsmouth forward had played a critical role, thanks to his agility and his ability to see the bigger picture, so when he was forced to abandon his men, the Super Eagles' morale was somehow dented.The Elephants took over, leaving Nigeria with no choice but to react to their incursions. They eventually found a flaw in Nigeria's defence. In a skillful display of individuality, Chelsea's Salomon Kalou swept aside the entire Nigerian defence on his own to defeat goalie Austin Ejide in the 65th minute.
Nigeria's attempts to equalize proved unsuccessful and the Ivoirians missed two clear opportunities to extend their lead. Replacements on both sides failed to have any effect on the score, and Côte d'Ivoire pocketed three points in a crucial win.
After this performance, can the Elephants pull off a second historic win of the tournament after their 1992 victory?
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