Super Eagles of Nigeria and Napoli FC of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen, said the team was dissatisfied with its performance in the match against Equatorial Guinea hence raised its game against the host on Thursday.
Osimhen, who is the current African Footballer of the Year, spoke at the post-match news conference.
A 55th-minute strike from the spot by captain William Ekong was all Nigeria needed to beat the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.
The Napoli striker, who won the Man-of-the-Match award for his scintillating performance, said that there were no underdogs at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
“We needed this game to make a statement.
“We were focused from the start of the whistle to the end.
“We were really happy about this victory and we will really keep on going from here,” Osimhen said.
The Super Eagles will play their last group game against Guinea Bissau on Monday, 22 January.