Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast once more because the Elephants got here from behind to beat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations remaining on home soil.
The striker, who had additionally netted the semi-final winner simply 13 months on from his return from testicular most cancers, flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot with 9 minutes remaining to finish a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.
William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria forward seven minutes earlier than the tip of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in from 9 yards out following a nook.
Franck Kessie nodded within the equaliser within the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked on the again put up from Adingra’s nook.
After a exceptional run to the ultimate, which included the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats within the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a 3rd continental title with a deserved victory.
The West Africans add to their earlier Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and grow to be the primary event hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.
Interim coach Emerse Fae masterminded Ivory Coast’s passage by means of the knockout levels, which included dramatic victories over defending champions Senegal and Mali after late equalisers in each video games.
Nigeria, three-time continental champions themselves, had beforehand been unbeaten on the finals, together with a 1-0 win over the Ivorians within the group stage, however the Super Eagles not often imposed themselves after sitting again for a lot of the contest.
More to comply with.
Line-ups
Nigeria
Formation 3-4-2-1
- 23NwabaliBooked at 53mins
- 6Ajayi
- 5Troost-Ekong
- 21Bassey
- 2AinaBooked at 90mins
- 8OnyekaSubstituted forMoffiat 86′minutes
- 17IwobiSubstituted forYusufat 79′minutes
- 3SanusiSubstituted forAriboat 86′minutes
- 11ChukwuezeSubstituted forSimonat 56′minutes
- 18LookmanSubstituted forIheanachoat 79′minutes
- 9Osimhen
Substitutes
- 1Uzoho
- 4Yusuf
- 7Musa
- 10Aribo
- 12Osayi-Samuel
- 14Iheanacho
- 15Simon
- 19Onuachu
- 20Awaziem
- 22Omeruo
- 24Moffi
- 25Onyedika
Ivory Coast
Formation 4-3-3
- 1Fofana
- 17AurierBooked at 54minsSubstituted forSingoat 70′minutes
- 7Kossounou
- 21NdickaBooked at 90mins
- 3Konan
- 8Kessié
- 4SeriSubstituted forAmaniat 90+2′minutes
- 6FofanaBooked at 87minsSubstituted forSangaréat 88′minutes
- 15GradelSubstituted forDiakitéat 70′minutes
- 22HallerSubstituted forKrassoat 88′minutes
- 24Adingra
Substitutes
- 2Diomande
- 5Singo
- 9Bamba
- 11Krasso
- 13Boga
- 14Diakité
- 18Sangaré
- 19Pépé
- 20Kouamé
- 23Sangaré
- 26Diallo
- 27Amani
