From cancer to AFCON triumph! What a story for Sebastien Haller as he led the Elephants of Ivory Coast to win their third Africa Cup of Nations title as hosts of the tournament.
The Super Eagles’ inspiring captain, William Troost-Ekong, stunned the host nation by giving Nigeria the lead 38 minutes into the game as he rose to head home from a corner.
The Elephants returned to the second half with a clear motive. To win! The Ivorians dominated the second half, leading to Al-Ahli’s midfielder, Franck Kessie, restoring parity in the 62nd minute.
Whatever Emerse Fae may have said in the locker room seemed to be working, as the Elephants did not stop there. They kept on pressing and piling more pressure on the Super Eagles.
The Nigerians had a great opportunity to grab the winning goal but missed when Troost-Ekong was unable to direct Ademola Lookman’s cross past into the net.
Right to Dream Academy product Simon Adingra, who was very influential in the game, sent a good cross past Nwabali, which found Sebastien Haller, whose quick-thinking led him to flick the ball with his right foot into the net.
The Ivorians add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first host nation to win since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.
