Ivory Coast Beat Nigeria 2-1 To Win 2023 Nations Cup Trophy

Ivory Coast earned a 2-1 win over Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in a pulsating encounter in Abidjan.

The hosts started the game with intent and purpose buoyed by the support of their vociferous fans.

The Super Eagles struggled to contain Ivory Coast in the opening minutes of the encounter as they were second best.

Nwabali produced a stunning save to deny the Ivorians in the 26th minute as they continued to push for the opener.

William Troost-Ekong gave the Super Eagles the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute with a thumping header.

Nigeria ended the first half 1-0 as Ivory Coast could not find their way back despite their dominance.

The hosts started the second half the way they ended the first with dangerous forward incursions.

Finally, their dominance paid off when Franck Kessie restored parity with a well-placed header in the 62nd minute.

Nwabali made series of saves to keep Nigeria in the game.

Sebastian Haller scored the winner following a good work from Simon Adingra in the 81st minute.

Simon Adingra was voted the man of the match following his impressive performance in the game.