Hosts, Ivory Coast defeat Nigeria to win AFCON 2023

Cote D’Ivoire pulled off an “our country, our cup” moment at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, as they came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the final in Abidjan, to lift their their AFCON trophy. 

The Elephants had gone behind heading into the break courtesy of William Troost-Ekong’s opener 38 minutes into the game, despite the hosts being the better side.

After the break, the Ivorians, backed by a stadium packed full of home supporters, intensified the pressure which soon paid off when Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute. 

The Super Eagles remained second best in the clash and the Elephant’s superior display saw  Sebastien Haller, grabbed what eventually became the winner in the 81st minute, as they became the first host nation to win the tournament since Egypt’s triumph in 2006.

It was a heartbreaking result for the Super Eagles of Nigeria who were disappointingly underwhelming throughout the game, but the three times AFCON winners can proud of how far they went in the competition. 

The Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong, did go home with the Player of the tournament award for his outstanding performance.