Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire in the group B opening match of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations received a major play in the local media Tuesday, with newspaper headlines reflecting the widespread disappointment felt by many Nigerians at the loss.
After dominating the first half of the match, played in Sekondi Monday, the Super Eagles seemed to lose momentum in the second half, paving the way for Chelsea star Salomon Kalou to score in the 66th minute after waltzing through the Nigeria defence in a moment of magic.
”Elephants floor Eagles in group B opener” was the headline in the Daily Independent, which wrote: ”A languid Super Eagles on Monday night lost by a lone goal to its more-organised Ivorien counterparts in the Group B opening match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.”
This day newspaper wrote: ”Eagles stumble in Sekondi”, noting ”an individual brilliant move in the 65th minute by Salomon Kalou yesterday gave Cote d’Ovoire a lone goal victory over Nigeria in the group B opening match in Sekondi.”
”Elephants overpower poor Eagles” (Punch); ”Eagles’ chance wanes as Kalou’s lone strike lifts Cote d’Ivoire” Guardian); Kalou’s strike sees off Nigeria (Leadership); ”Eagles fall again….as Ivory Coast confirms superiority” (Vanguard) and ”Eagles fumble again to Elephants” (Champion) were some of the other headlines.
