Côte d’Ivoire crowned AFCON champions after win over Nigeria1 min read

Hosts Côte d’Ivoire were crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in their history after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final on Sunday.

The Elephants came from behind to claim the title.

Nigeria skipper, William Ekong, gave the Super Eagles the lead with a well-executed header seven minutes before halftime.

However, Franck Kessie equalized for Côte d’Ivoire just two minutes after the hour-mark.

Striker Sebastien Haller then scored the winner with ten minutes remaining, completing the Ivorian victory.

Côte d’Ivoire faced the possibility of an early exit from the competition during the group stage, but they secured their place in the second round in the final moments, fulfilling their mission and clinching the title on home soil.