Sebastian Haller was the hero as Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 and claim their third Africa Cup of Nations title.
The host nation delighted their fans in Abidjan with Haller completing a wonderful turnaround as he volleyed home the winner nine minutes from time after Franck Kessie cancelled out William Troost-Ekong’s first-half header.
Cote D’Ivoire started brightly and created the better first-half chances with Max Gradel and Simon Adingra going close.
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However, it was Nigeria who took the lead seven minutes before the break, when Troost-Ekong nodded home his third goal of the tournament.
The Super Eagles were unbeaten in their previous 22 matches in the competition when scoring first, but the hosts hit back just after the hour mark as Kessie nodded in Adringa’s corner.
Adingra was involved again as the Elephants snatched a dramatic winner in the 81st minute, the Brighton & Hove Albion winger crossing for Haller to prod past Stanley Nwabali at the near post.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – SIMON ADINGRA (IVORY COAST)
The provider for both of Ivory Coast’s goals, Adingra produced another influential performance for his nation when it mattered most.
No player created more chances (six) or had more touches in the opposition box than the Elephants winger (eight). Adingra also contested the most duels (18) and completed more successful dribbles (five) than any other player, one of which resulting in the delicious ball he delivered for Haller to tuck away.
PLAYER RATINGS
Nigeria: Nwabali 7, Ajayi 7, Troost-Ekong 8, Bassey 8, Aina 7, Onyeka 6, Iwobi 6, Sanusi 7, Chukwueze 5, Osimhen 6, Lookman 6. Subs: Simon 6, Yusuf 5, Iheanacho 5, Aribo N/A, Moffi N/A.
Cote D’Ivoire: Y. Fofana 7, Aurier 6, Kossounou 7, Ndicka 6, Konan 6, Kessie 8, Seri 8, S. Fofana 7, Gradel 8, Haller 8, Adingra 9*. Subs: Diakite 6, Singo 5, Sangare N/A, Krasso N/A, Amani N/A.
Source: Eurosport
Last Updated on March 19, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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