The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final would pit the Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire on Sunday.
This follows wins by both sides over their rivals in their respective semifinal matches, which secured a date for the ultimate finale.
Remember Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire had previously faced off in the competition’s group stage, with the Super Eagles defeating the hosts 1-0.
Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals final saw hosts Ivory Coast defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 thanks to a game-winning goal from Sebastien Haller, who was the game’s hero.
In the 65th minute at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, Borussia Dortmund striker Haller made his first tournament start after suffering an injury. His shot looped over the goalkeeper and in the goal.
In the other Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match in Bouake, Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties shootouts on thanks substitute Kelechi Iheanacho’s spot kick
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After extra time, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. The three-time winners will play the hosts, Ivory Coast, in Sunday’s championship match.
Teboho Mokoena equalized with a penalty kick in the 90th minute, while Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong scored the first goal after 67 minutes. Both goals during regular time also came from penalties.
Nigeria believed they had equalized through a tap-in from standout forward Victor Osimhen, before VAR informed the Egyptian referee that South African player Percy Tau had been fouled earlier, and the match official agreed, play was moved back to the opposite end of the field.
The final is set for Sunday, February 11, 2024, at precisely 9:00 p.m. West African Time.