The Ivory Coast team once again confirmed the rule of big tournaments: those who start hard finish well. Having barely made it to the playoffs, the hosts of the African Cup of Nations eventually became champions.

In the final everything also went against them at first. The Nigerians opened the scoring and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. However in the second half the Ivorians showed passion and will to win - two goals from Franck Kessier and Sebastien Halle brought them the title.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria - Ivory Coast 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Troost-Ekong, 38 (1:0); Kessié, 62 (1:1); Haller, 81 (1:2)

Nigeria: Nwabili; Ajayi; Aina; Bassey; Troost-Ekong; Sanusi (Aribo, 86); Onyeka (Moffi, 86); Chukwueze (Simon M., 56); Iwobi (Yusuf Al., 79); Osimhen; Lookman (Iheanacho, 79)
Bench: Uzoho; Omeruo; Awaziem; Osayi-Samuel; Onyedika; Musa A.; Onuachu
Yellow Cards: Nwabili 53; Aina 90

Ivory Coast: Fofana Yahia; Aurier (Singo, 70); Ndicka; Kossounou; Konan; Fofana S. (Sangaré I., 88); Kessié; Seri (Amani, 92); Gradel (Diakité Oumar, 70); Haller (Krasso, 88); Adingra
Bench: Ali Sangaré; Diomande; Diallo Is.; Boga; Kouamé C.; Pépé N.; Bamba J.
Yellow Cards: Aurier 54; Fofana S. 87; Ndicka 97