The Hosts Cote d’Ivoire this night, February 11, 2024, exacted vengeance on Nigeria, coming from behind to win 2-1 and lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Elephants, who lost to Nigeria by a lone goal when both teams met in Group A during the round robin stage of the tournament, dominated the game from the blast of the referee’s whistle.
They, however, went behind in 38 minutes when the Super Eagles during a rare foray upfront got a corner kick on the left flank. Ademola Lookman found Samuel Chukwueze, who flicked to skipper William Troost-Ekong, who headed past goalie Fofana for the opener to surpass Stephen Keshi’s record as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.
The Elephants continued their dominance on the restart, leveling scores in the 62nd minute, when unmarked Franck Kessie headed past goalie Stanley Nwabali to spark celebrations at the 60,000-capacity Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium, D’Ebimpe, Abidjan.
The hosts took the game beyond the Eagles in the 81st minute when Sebastien Haller stuck out a leg to turn Simon Adingra’s cross past the keeper Nwabali, as Ekong failed to challenge strongly.
