Second half goals by Frank Kessie and Sebastein Haller secured a comeback 2-1 victory for hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations played at the Stade Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan on Sunday night.
Nigeria’s only goal was scored by the Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong via a header in the 38 minute of the first half.
Kessie equalised in the 62nd minute via a header from a cross by Simon Adingra. Adingra again provided the assist for Haller to flick in the winning goal in the 81st minute.
Adingra was deservedly named man of the match in a pulsating final watched by a capacity 60,000 crowd.
The Ivorians dominated 67 per cent of possession and had more shots on target in a match they showed more passion and determination than their Nigerian opponents.
It was redemption night for Haller and his teammates. The Ivorians barely qualified from the group stages as the last of the third placed teams, and then came from the brink of defeats to win their knockout matches.
Also, in 2022, Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer and recovered to play a starring role in his country’s AFCON triumph with decisive goals in the semi-final and final.
This is the third time the Elephants are winning the AFCON trophy, following their triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
It is also the first time the hosts have won the Africa Cup of Nations tournament since Egypt did so in 2006.
In a scant consolation for the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong was named the AFCON Player of the Tournament, the first time a defender would win the award.
