Nigeria 1-2 Cote d’ivoire: Ivory Coast Defeat The Super Eagles to Win 3rd AFCON>>>apexfootballgoat.comFeb 11, 2024 10:59 PM

It was an intense match at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé. Nigeria faced off against Cote d’Ivoire, with the Ivorians putting early pressure on the Super Eagles within the first 10 minutes.

Ola Aina narrowly avoided an own goal, managing to clear the ball for a corner, while a poor pass back from Zaidu to Nwabali resulted in another corner for Cote d’Ivoire. Tensions escalated when referee Dahane Beida cautioned Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, after he voiced his frustrations to the third official.

Nigeria managed to break the deadlock when Troost-Ekong scored a header, giving them a 1-0 lead, marking his third goal of the tournament. Despite Nigeria holding onto this lead until halftime, Cote d’Ivoire continued to press, with Max Gradel’s shot being blocked, providing a crucial escape for Nigeria.

Peseiro’s substitution of Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze indicated a desire to solidify Nigeria’s lead, but Cote d’Ivoire seized the opportunity in the second half. Franck Kessie leveled the scoreline at 1-1 with a well-placed header past Nwabali, before Sebastien Haller capitalized on a precise cross from Simon Adingra to put Cote d’Ivoire ahead with a clinical finish into the top corner.

Despite Nigeria’s efforts to equalize, they were unable to break through Cote d’Ivoire’s defense, ultimately conceding a 2-1 defeat. Cote d’Ivoire’s victory crowned them the winners of AFCON, while Nigeria will have to settle for second place.

This victory will mark the third AFCON trophy for Ivory Coast. Despite initially appearing to be in a difficult position, the host nation staged an impressive comeback, writing their place in the books of history.