Ivory Coast had an incredible journey at the Africa Cup of Nations, turning things around to beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final with a goal from Sebastian Haller.

Despite losing two early games and changing their manager, they won a penalty shootout and scored a very late goal to make it to the final against the odds. 

Less than three weeks after a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea led to the dismissal of their coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, and nearly knocked them out of the competition, Ivory Coast delivered a night to remember, triggering jubilant festivities in Abidjan. 

They dominated the first half yet found themselves trailing after William Troost-Ekong scored for Nigeria. 

Nigeria, having only let in two goals on their way to the final, seemed set for another close victory as the first half ended.

However, Ivory Coast managed to equalize and then take the lead, doubling Nigeria’s conceded goals in the tournament.

Franck Kessie scored with a strong header from a set-piece on the 60-minute mark, and then with ten minutes left, Sebastian Haller skillfully directed the ball into the far corner, following impressive play from Simon Adingra.

Nigeria tried to score a last-minute goal to extend the game into extra time, but there were no more surprises in a competition that had already seen many. Ivory Coast stayed strong and won their third AFCON trophy.

The Super Eagles have lost five of eight AFCON finals now; only Ghana has lost as many finals as Nigeria.

Several individual awards were distributed after the game. The first recipient is Ronwen Williams from South Africa, who was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Emilio Nsue from Equatorial Guinea earned the top scorer title with his five goals, two of which came in the game where they beat Ivory Coast. Lastly, William Troost-Ekong was announced as the player of the tournament. Ivorian coach Emerse Fae won the best coach award.

Collins Nwokolo