Segun Atanda/
The Nigerian Super Eagles today snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the final AFCON match with the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
Cote d’Ivoire who were once defeated at the earlier stage of the tournament, by the Super Eagles, lifted the cup at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé (Stade Alassan Quattara) in Abidjan at the end of 90 minute.
The Elephants had more of ball possession (65.4 % – 34.6 %) and attempts at goal in the first half, but the Super Eagles shot into the lead with a 38-minute header from Center Back Captain William Paul Troost-Ekong.
The Ivorians came back with a 62-minute second half header by the central/defensive midfielder Franck Yannick Kessie.
Sébastien Romain Haller’s 81-minute goal shot the Ivorians into the lead. He scored by connecting a cross that caught the Super Eagles defenders napping.
The Elephants appeared more hungry for goals with 18 shots on target against the Super Eagles’ five. The Ivorians had 62.7 % of ball possession at the end of play.
