It’s halftime and Nigeria heads into the break with the lead. William Troost-Ekong’s header in the 38th minutes is the difference. Second half certainly promises more to this game.
Nigeria Super Eagles are up against the hosts of the AFCON 2023 tournament, the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.
It’s going to be a blockbuster game in a night that has already been lightened up with music and fecundity.
The Informant247 team will bring you all the bits and pieces of the game here. Stick around and go nowhere.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Nwabali, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong (C) Bassey, Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen
Subs: Aribo, Awaziem, Iheanacho, Moffi, Musa, Omeruo, Onuachu, Onyedika, Osayi-Samuel, Simon, Uzoho, Yusuf
Cote d’Ivoire Starting XI: Y. Fofana, Aurier, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan, Seri, Kessie, S. Fofana, Gradel, Adingra, Haller
Subs: Amani, Bamba, Boga, Diakite, Diallo, Diomande, Kouame, Krasso, Pepe, Sangare, Sangare, Singo
8:55 Both teams are now filling out for the match. The stadium is fully packed and the atmosphere is Electrifying
Exchange of pleasantries has been done. Players are set and we are closer to the final ever than before.
The 2023 AFCON has been described as one of the best in the recent years.
It’s important to note that Nigeria defeated the hosts country in their group stage encounter 1-0. The stake is high tonight as the Ivorians look out for a revenge against the Nigerian team
9:01: Nigeria gets underway! Match begins
3′ Calvin Bassey sends a long pass to Zaidu Sanusi upfront but the latter couldn’t keep the ball.
4′ Pressure returns to Nigeria as Ivorians got a free kick in the middle of the field. The ball flies long into the halve of the Super Eagles but Goalkeeper Nwabali rises to the occasion to deny Sebastian Haller a chance at goal
6′ First corner kick for the Ivorians. That was followed by a goal onslaught from the hosts but the Eagles were able to to survive the scare as the ball rolls out of touch
9′ The Ivorians have been sparkling soo far. They have now won a free kick close to the box of Super Eagles
11′ It’s two free kicks in quick succession for the Ivorians but the defense line of Eagles were able to repel the goal onslaughts.
14′ Nigeria has been at the receiving end of all the pressure in this game so far. They are having a slow start to the game.
15′ Nigeria 0-0 Cote D’Ivoire
16′ Nigeria with flashes of goal chase upfront but their efforts were repelled by the Ivorian defender
21′ Chance for Ivory Coast but it’s ended at the back of the net
24′ The Ivorians has dominated the most part of the game.
28′ Coach Jose Paseiro booked following his protest of the Referee’s decision
30′ Nigeria 0-0 Cote D’Ivoire
Both teams and match officials go for cooling break
33′ Action returns after the cooling break
34′ A save! Nwabali to the rescue for Nigeria. It’s corner kick for Ivory Coast
38′ Goal! William Troost-Ekong scores an header from a corner kick and Nigeria takes the lead.
40′ Nigeria 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire
45′ Nigeria 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire . We have four additional minutes of play
It’s halftime and Nigeria heads into the break with the lead. William Troost-Ekong’s header in the 38th minutes is the difference. Second half certainly promises more to this game.
HT’ Nigeria 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire.
We definitely expects another tough game in the second half. The Ivorians were unlucky not to have got a goal in the first half despite their dominance. The tactical battle will resume and let’s see what they have in their sleeves to offer.
We head into the second half with a lot of expectations. Cote d’ivoire has come back twice in the knockout stage to steal a win. Would that be the case tonight again. Second half begins with Nigeria 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire.
50′ What a scary moment Nigeria has had a few minutes ago. They were able to defend against the pressure from the the Ivorian. A huge relief.
53′ Nigeria 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire.
54′ Goalkeeper Nwabali booked for dissent
60′ Nigeria 1-0 Cote d’ivoire
63′ Goal! Cote D’Ivoire equalises with Kessie’s header.
Nigeria 1-1 Cote D’Ivoire
70′ Nigeria 1-1 Cote D’Ivoire
Cote D’Ivoire makes two substitutions
73′ Sebastian Haller with a chance for the Ivorians but his effort goes a bit wide.
78′ Nigeria makes two substitutions. Ademola Lookman makes way for Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi out for Alhassan Yusuf
81′ Goal! Sebastian Haller scores and the stadium go wild. The Ivorians have taken the lead from behind.
85′ Nigeria 1-2 Cote D’Ivoire
90′ Nigeria 1-2 Cote D’Ivoire. Seven minutes added time.
Full time Nigeria 1-2 Cote D’Ivoire.
The trophy stays home. The Ivorians are the champions of Africa.
