Key stats from Nigeria v CIV: Lookman most key passes; Osimhen dirtiest; Bassey top tackler; Ekong most clearances 

The Super Eagles took a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday after a hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

Nigeria claimed all three points thanks to William Troost-Ekong who slammed a spot kick straight down the middle after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com looks at the key statistics from the win against the Elephants. 

Nigeria scored from their only shot on target while three of Ivory Coast's shots were on target with none ending up in the back in the net.

The hosts also dominated possession which counted for nothing, 65 percent, whereas Nigeria had 35 percent of the ball. 

Calvin Bassey was the top tackler on display, winning six of his challenges, while Ademola Lookman was the player with the most key passes (3). 

Victor Osimhen - the official Man of the Match - was the dirtiest player on the pitch despite being a striker as he gave away the most fouls (6), three more than Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Evan Ndicka and Franck Kessié.

When it came to clearances, Troost-Ekong topped the list with four, one more than Bassey, Ajayi, Ousmane Diomande and Jean-Philippe Krasso.

Lookman's four fouls he won was a team-high figure, two less than the top player in that department, Ivory Coast's Ousmane Diomande.

The top dribbler was Oumar Diakité with two, while six Nigerian players completed one take-on each, namely Ola Aina, Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Frank Onyeka and Troost-Ekong registered two interceptions each - the best in that department. 

Bassey registered a team-high 53 touches, 21 less than Elephants duo Ousmane Diomande and Evan Ndicka who registered the game-high figure. 

Osimhen won a team-high four aerial duels; Elephants fullback Sèrge Aurier was the stat leader with five. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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