AFCON – Full Time: Nigeria 1-2 Ivory Coast. THE HOSTS HAVE DONE IT! They are the champions of Africa, completing the most remarkable of runs. A crazy tournament for the Elephants.
Nigeria led for an hour of the final, but they have fallen just short.
Nigeria are 45 minutes away from spoiling the party and denying Ivory Coast victory on home soil in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Both have tasted AFCON success relatively recently, with the Super Eagles lifting the trophy in 2013 and Ivory Coast winning the tournament two years later.
It is Nigeria though who lead at half-time, holding a 1-0 advantage after William Troost-Ekong’s header. Up until that point, it had been Ivory Coast who looked the more likely to open the scoring, with Simon Adingra a constant threat and the Elephants winning a number of set-pieces in dangerous positions. Victor Osimhen has largely been kept quiet, but it is the Super Eagles who have the lead.
Ivory Coast cannot be ruled out though, having already made a habit of overcoming drama. The hosts sacked their manager after a shambolic group-stage showing. Emerse Fae is now in charge of the Elephants, and he has seen his side edge past Senegal, Mali and then DR Congo on their way to the final. Serge Aurier is among those who return from suspension. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast latest news
GOAL! Haller completes turnaround
GOAL! Kessie equalises for Ivory Coast
HT: Super Eagles hold half-time lead
GOAL! Troost-Ekong heads Nigeria in front
