The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday lost 2-1 to the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the African Cup of Nations , AFCON.
The Eagles conceded a goal lead to the Ivorians at the Olympic stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.
The Elephants were a different team from the earlier side that lost to the Eagles in the group stage and needed to wait till the final match of the group stage to qualify for the second round.
JEAN-LOUIS GASSET was sacked as the team’s head coach, and EMERSE FAE turned the country’s fortune around as an interim coach.
The Eagles took the lead in the first half through a header from WILLIAM TROOST – EKONG .
The Ivorians later equalized through a header of their own as FRANCK KESSIE found himself free on the far side of the post.
SENASTIEN HALLER however gave the Ivorians the comeback, sending home a cross from SIMON ADINGRA.
For most of the game, the Eagles struggled with coherence and creation of chances. The team had only one shot on target throughout the game.
The Elephants had clearer intentions to win the game, and they became the champions of Africa for the third time in their history.