The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to a dramatic end on Sunday, February 11, as Nigeria edged out hosts Ivory Coast 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan. The Super Eagles lifted their fourth AFCON trophy, while the Elephants had to settle for their third runners-up finish.
The match was a rematch of the group stage encounter, which Nigeria won 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Victor Osimhen. However, this time, the stakes were much higher, and both teams showed their determination and quality throughout the 90 minutes.
The first half was a cagey affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side. Nigeria had more possession and tried to break down the Ivory Coast defense with their pace and movement, but the hosts were well-organized and disciplined at the back. The best opportunity of the half fell to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, who fired a low shot from the edge of the box that was saved by Yahia Fofana.
The second half was more open and exciting, as both teams went for the win. Ivory Coast started brightly and took the lead in the 51st minute, when Sebastien Haller headed in a cross from Simon Adingra. The West Ham striker scored his fifth goal of the tournament, becoming the joint-top scorer with Nigeria’s Osimhen.
However, Nigeria did not give up and equalized in the 65th minute, when Osimhen converted a penalty after he was fouled by Willy Boly in the box. The Napoli forward also scored his fifth goal of the tournament, matching Haller’s tally and setting up a tense finale.
The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute, when Nigeria scored the winner through Moses Simon. The winger latched onto a through ball from Alex Iwobi and slotted it past Fofana, sending the Nigerian fans into ecstasy. Ivory Coast tried to respond, but Nigeria held on to their lead and secured the victory.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and staff, who ran onto the pitch and hugged each other. The Ivory Coast players, on the other hand, collapsed to the ground in despair, as they missed out on their third AFCON title.
Nigeria’s coach Jose Peseiro praised his team for their resilience and spirit, saying that they deserved to win the tournament. He also commended Ivory Coast for their performance and their hospitality as the hosts.
Ivory Coast’s coach Emerse Faé congratulated Nigeria for their triumph, but also expressed his pride in his team for reaching the final and giving their best. He said that they had a great tournament and that they would learn from this experience.
The AFCON 2024 was a memorable edition, with many surprises, upsets, and drama. Nigeria and Ivory Coast proved to be the best teams in the continent, and they gave the fans a fitting finale. Congratulations to Nigeria for their fourth AFCON title, and well done to Ivory Coast for their valiant effort.
