Yesterday, the host country of the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast, beat Nigeria 2-1 to win gold.
Two second-half goals from Franck Kessie and Sébastien Haller cancelled out William Troost-Ekong’s first-half opener as the hosts emerged winners on Sunday.
After a disastrous group stage that almost saw the Elephants eliminated and only managed to qualify after picking the last best losers slot, with coach Jean-Louis Gasset sacked, it was all worth it for a night that will live long in the memory of Ivorians.
The victory means the Elephants have won the AFCON for the third time, having won it before in 1992 and 2015.
On their part, the Eagles were hoping to win the trophy for the fourth time after winning it in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Sunday’s meeting was the 29th time both sides have come up against each other with Nigeria winning nine and losing 10 of the games.
Coach Jose Peseiro made two changes to the side that defeated South Africa in the semi-finals, with Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi returning to the starting XI, while AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze started ahead of Moses Simon.
The hosts had the first chance of the game just six minutes into the encounter as Simon Adingra’s delicate cross across goal evaded the outstretched legs of striker Sébastien Haller.
