Nigeria initially took the lead with a goal from captain William Troost-Ekong, reminiscent of their previous encounter during the group stage.

However, Ivory Coast mounted a resilient comeback, equalizing through Franck Kessie and sealing their victory with Haller’s late strike.

The win marks a historic moment for Ivory Coast, adding a third AFCON title to their accolades, matching Nigeria’s record. Ivory Coast’s journey to victory was not without its challenges.

Following a devastating defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage, the team underwent a remarkable transformation under the leadership of coach Emerse Fae.

Their perseverance and determination propelled them to overcome formidable opponents, including Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo, en route to the final.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying, with passionate Ivorian fans rallying behind their team. Despite the low-scoring nature of previous AFCON finals, both teams delivered a thrilling display of skill and determination. Ivory Coast’s relentless attacking prowess ultimately proved decisive, securing a well-deserved triumph on home soil.

For Nigeria, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to claim their fourth AFCON title. Despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, they were unable to withstand Ivory Coast’s relentless pressure in the final moments of the game.

As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast celebrated their victory, etching their names in AFCON history.