Pulse of the Day: Nigeria Super Eagles spoil Emilio Nsue's party on historic AFCON2023 day

This edition of the Pulse of the Day was not an easy pick following a historic day of football at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023, in Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea registered fantastic victories to rekindle their AFCON 2023 campaign after a shaky 1-1 draw in their opener. 

Nigeria defeated AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 while an Emilio Nsue-inspired Equatorial Guinea thrashed Guinea-Bissau 4-2 in the opening match of the day on Thursday.

Following their impressive wins, Nigeria’s Super Eagles edged out Equatorial Guinea’s Nsue, who became the oldest player to score a hattrick at AFCON and the first since 2008 to net three goals in the competition. 

The 34-year-old set the tempo with his brilliant performance against the Wild Dogs, but just when i though he had done enough to seal the deal, Nigeria shocked the hosts inside their newly built stadium, packed with over 49,000 Ivorians. 

Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles defended valiantly to fend off a barrage Ivory Coast’s attacks, with William Troost-Ekong scoring the crucial winner from the spot kick in the second half. 

The victory was the country’s first away win against Ivory Coast and it came at the biggest stage on the continent, with the Elephants as host. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles proved to be party poopers but are deserving of the Pulse of the Day award.