The Ivorian nation celebrated with fervor on Sunday evening, as its players clinched a historic victory at the Africa Cup of Nations, beating Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
The Super Eagles took the lead thanks to a goal from their captain, William Troost-Ekong, in the 38th minute. However, the Ivorian Elephants fought back with determination, equalizing thanks to Franck Kessie, on a precise cross from Simon Adingra. The latter also provided an assist to Sebastien Haller, whose 81st minute goal sealed victory for Ivory Coast.
Union player Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani made a brief appearance in the final minutes of the match to strengthen the Ivorian team, while Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp) came on in the 79th minute for the Nigerian side, with Raphaël Onyedika (Club Bruges) remaining on the bench.
This victory marks the third time that Ivory Coast has won the prestigious competition, following their successes in 1992 and 2015. In addition to these triumphs, the Elephants also reached the final in 2006 and 2012, while placing third in 1965 , 1968, 1986 and 1994, and fourth in 1970 and 2008.
For their part, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, although having won the CAN three times in 1980, 1994 and 2013, had to be content with their fifth defeat in the final, adding this to their setbacks in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.
On Saturday, South Africa, under the leadership of Hugo Broos, won the bronze medal by beating DR Congo on penalties in the third place match.
