Ivory Coast Triumphs Over Nigeria to Claim African Cup of Nations Title

ABIDJAN — In a thrilling finale, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire emerged victorious in the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) on Sunday evening, clinching the title with a 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The match, hosted at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan, drew fans from across the continent and marked a significant achievement for the Ivorian team.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the game began with Nigeria taking the lead in the 37th minute through a header by their captain William Ekong, against the flow of the match. The goal came after a period of strong performance by the Ivorians, highlighted by an early strike from Simon Adingra that was saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Despite the setback, the Ivorian team returned from halftime with renewed vigor, applying pressure and dominating possession.

The equalizer came in the 62nd minute when Franck Kessié headed in a corner, igniting the stadium and setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Sébastien Haller, assisted by the persistent efforts of Simon Adingra, managed to penetrate the Nigerian defense and score the winning goal. The match concluded with the Super Eagles making several attempts to level the score but ultimately failing to break through the Ivorian defense.

The victory for the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire is a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess on the field. This win adds another prestigious title to their collection, further cementing their status as one of the premier footballing nations in Africa.