Sekondi-Takoradi — Côte d'Ivoire's national team set off on its quest for the African Cup of Nations on Monday night with a well-deserved win against Nigeria's  Super Eagles.

Right from the opening whistle, style, speed and intensity permeated the  highly-anticipated encounter, which fully met expectations. Nigeria's offensive strategy was reflected in the presence of four  forwards - Kanu, Yakubu, Martins and Utaka, to which Côte d'Ivoire  responded by lining up three of their own - Drogba, Kalou and Dindane.

Nigeria dominated the midfield, led by the highly experienced Kanu, a  talented Mikel Obi and the indefatigable Olofinjana. But facing them, Yaya Toure was manoeuvring skillfully, backed by Didier  Zokora.

Neither a powerful free kick over the crossbar from Taye Taiwo, nor  Obafemi Martins' incursion was able to shake the Ivorian bloc. Almost  the entire first half of the game was a battle for the midfield. The turning point of the match came when Kanu, Nigeria's captain, was  injured and replaced in the 55th minute.

The Portsmouth forward had  played a critical role, thanks to his agility and his ability to see the  bigger picture, so when he was forced to abandon his men, the Super Eagles' morale was somehow dented.

The Elephants took over, leaving Nigeria with no choice but to react to  their incursions. They eventually found a flaw in Nigeria's defence. In a skillful display of individuality, Chelsea's Salomon Kalou swept aside  the entire Nigerian defence on his own to defeat goalie Austin Ejide in  the 65th minute.

Nigeria's attempts to equalize proved unsuccessful and the Ivoirians  missed two clear opportunities to extend their lead. Replacements on both sides failed to have any effect on the score, and Côte d'Ivoire  pocketed three points in a crucial win.

After this performance, can the Elephants pull off a second historic win  of the tournament after their 1992 victory?