The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition came to an end on Sunday night in a dramatic turn of events as the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire recovered from a 1-0 defeat in the first half of the game to a beautiful 2-1 victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, making them the first host country to win the trophy in 18 years since Egypt overcame the Ivorians on penalties in Cairo in 2006.
The highly anticipated match took place at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, which is located outside of Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast. This is the same stadium where Nigeria defeated the tournament hosts 1-0 in the group stage. The hosts had the early advantage in possession, but the Nigerians managed to capitalise on their first meaningful shot and, after a partially cleared corner, William Troost-Ekong rose to send a commanding header into the goal to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
After the halftime break, as Nigeria hoped to maintain their lead in the game, Frank Kessie restored balance with a header from a corner, and Sebastian Haller put the home side ahead by connecting with Simon Agingra's cross. A fantastic combo to raise the top of the stadium in Abidjan.
After their worst-ever home loss on January 22, a dismal 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, they were on the verge of being just the second host nation in thirty years to be eliminated in the group stage.
