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AFCON final: Brave Super Eagles win silver in tension soaked match against Cote d’Ivoire

By Francis Ajuonuma

Super Eagles dream to lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations eventually crashed yesterday as they lost the final against the host nation, the Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire in a tension soaked encounter amidst poor officiating by the centre referee,  Dahane Beida of Mauritania.

On several occasion in the match, Super Eagles point man, Victor Osimhen was at the receiving end of poor calls by the centre limiting his attacking threat.

Even a clear sending off foul committed by Franck Kessie few minutes to the close of the first half went unpunished despite a deliberate elbowing on Super Eagles’ wingback, Sanusi Zaidu.

Kessie and Sebastien Haller got the goals for the host nation after William Troost-Ekong had given Nigeria a first-half lead.

Seko Fofana and Serge Aurier also featured for Ivory Coast in yesterday’s final, while 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was on the losing team.

These two teams had met earlier in the tournament when Nigeria won 1-0 during the group phase.

Troost-Ekong scored the only goal of that game and he netted again to put Nigeria in front 38 minutes into yesterday’s final.

The former Watford defender headed home powerfully from eight yards after Ademola Lookman’s corner kick had been flicked on at the near post.

That goal came against the run of play, after Ivory Coast had dominated the contest in terms of possession and chances.

The hosts continued to look like the better side after falling behind and deservedly equalized in the 62nd minute when ex-Barcelona midfielder Kessie nodded in from a Simon Adingra corner.

Adingra also assisted the winning goal, which arrived 19 minutes later when his wicked cross from the left was diverted into the net by a deft touch off Haller’s outstretched right boot.

Haller’s goal sent the crowd at Alassane Ouattara Stadium wild, including former captain Didier Drogba.

Cote d’Ivoire’s victory over Nigeria came 18 days after Jean-Louis Gasset had lost his job as Ivory Coast manager.

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