After almost going down in the group stage and picking up incredible results in the knockout stages, Côte d’Ivoire came from behind against Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
At Abidjan’s Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, Nigeria took the lead through William Troost-Ekong’s first-half header before Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute for Cote D’Ivoire.
Borussia Dortmund’s Haller struck again in the 81st minute to give The Elephants an edge in the game, breaking the hearts of Nigerians with just nine minutes of play remaining. The Super Eagles could not make a comeback.
Nigeria was increasingly looking like the most formidable team at the 2023 AFCON tournament. As so many other country favourites fell by the wayside, the Super Eagles were becoming the team tipped to claim the trophy.
But the host nation dashed the hopes of Nigerians to clinch their third AFCON crown. Nigeria have lost five of eight AFCON finals now.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
