AFCON 2024: Ivory Coast Are Champions For Third Time After Defeating Nigeria

 

Ivory Coast are the champions of the 2024 AFCON Cup after they come from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling second half comeback. 

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong put the side ahead with a header from a corner minutes after half hour of play. The Ivorians pulled one back from Franck Kessie's header following Adingra's corner before Sebastien Hailer poked home Adingra's cross for the winner in the 81th minutes. 

The Nigerian side barely had a shot on target whilst the champions had most of the shots, convincing going through the Nigerian halve on the offensive. It will be the country's third African Cup of Nations trophy since their last in 2015. 

Quick Overview

An interesting game from the start with the Super Eagles pulling off the opening goal from a set piece amidst pressure from the Ivorians for much of the first half. Quiet a stunning header from Troost-Ekong, leaping rightly to get his head to the aerial ball and sent it into the far corner of the goal. 

The Super Eagles were disciplined and well-cordinated at the back with Nwabali making delightful saves, and likewise, the midfield has been effective only that they have kept a low tempo on the attack whilst the Ivorians played deep into the Nigerian halve. 

Coming back from the interval, the Nigerian side became a little loose and let the Ivorians made most of the set piece leading to the equaliser. The situation leading to the winner should have been kept out of the bow, however, at the time, the Ivorians already had the pressure on the Super Eagles anyway. What an amzing way to lift the AFCON trophy as the champions for Ivory Coast?