AFCON 2023: Ex-Arsenal star Ian Wright expresses his disappointment during Nigeria’s win over Ivory Coast

Former Arsenal star Ian Wright is unhappy with the state of the pitch that hosted Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 clash against Ivory Coast. 

Wright took in the action as the two West African giants battled in their second Group A match at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé. 

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. 

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. 

Teams that will play on the pitch will now hope the maintenance team can work on it before the next round of matches. 

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. 

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.