:2023 Africa Cup of Nations final

{{Infobox football match

| title = 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final

| other_titles =

| image = Stade d'Ebimpé.jpg

| alt =

| event = 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

| caption = The Alassane Ouattara Stadium hosted the match.

| team1 = Nigeria

| team1association = {{flagdeco|NGA|size=30px}}

| team1score = 1

| team2 = Ivory Coast

| team2association = {{flagdeco|CIV|size=30px}}

| team2score = 2

| details =

| date = {{Start date|2024|2|11|df=y}}

| stadium = Alassane Ouattara Stadium

| city = Abidjan

| man_of_the_match1a = Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)

| man_of_the_match1atitle =

| referee = Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

| attendance = 57,094

| weather = Partly cloudy
{{convert|28|°C|°F|abbr=on}}
83% humidity

| previous = 2021

| next = 2025

}}

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final was a football match played on 11 February 2024 between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. It determined the winner of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the 34th edition of the biennial African tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The match was played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Nigeria qualified for the final for the eighth time in their history, while Ivory Coast reached the final for the fifth time.

Ivory Coast won the match in regulation time with a score of {{nowrap|2–1}}. With this victory, the team won its third Africa Cup of Nations title, while Nigeria took second place. Nigeria took the lead in the 38th minute with a goal from William Troost-Ekong, but Ivory Coast turned things around with goals from Franck Kessié in the 62nd minute and Sébastien Haller in the 81st minute. Simon Adingra was awarded the Man of the Match award for his all round performance, having assisted both goals.

Venue

The final was played at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also known as Stade Olympique d'Ebimpe, a multi-purpose stadium in northern Abidjan, the largest city in the Ivory Coast.{{cite news |date=11 November 2022 |title=Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast signs hosting agreement for Nations Cup |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/63599543 |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212182426/https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/63599543 |url-status=live }} It opened in October 2020 and is named for Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara. The stadium seats 60,000 spectators and serves as the primary home of the Ivory Coast national football team. It also hosts rugby and athletic events and is part of a complex that was jointly funded by the Ivorian and Chinese governments.{{cite news |date=4 October 2020 |title=Ivory Coast opens 60,000-seater stadium ahead of AFCON 2023 |url=https://www.africanews.com/2020/10/04/ivory-coast-inaugurates-60-000-seater-stadium-ahead-of-afcon-2023// |work=Africanews |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212182427/https://www.africanews.com/2020/10/04/ivory-coast-inaugurates-60-000-seater-stadium-ahead-of-afcon-2023// |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Renard |first=Arthur |date=8 January 2024 |title=AFCON 2023 stadiums: Host cities, capacities, and everything you need to know |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/afcon-2023-stadiums-host-cities-capacities-and-everything-you-need-to-know |work=FourFourTwo |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212182427/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/afcon-2023-stadiums-host-cities-capacities-and-everything-you-need-to-know |url-status=live }} During the Africa Cup of Nations, Alassane Ouattara Stadium hosted six group stage matches and one match in each of the knockout rounds. The stadium was announced as the host of the final in November 2022 upon the signing of a host agreement between CAF and the Ivorian government; Cameroon was the original host of the 2023 edition of the tournament but was awarded the 2021 edition following delays to their plan to host the 2019 edition.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jay |date=13 November 2023 |title=AFCON 2023 starts in two months: Here's all you need to know (including why it's in 2024) |url=https://theathletic.com/5048669/2023/11/13/afcon-2023-starts-in-two-months-heres-all-you-need-to-know-including-why-its-in-2024/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212182426/https://theathletic.com/5048669/2023/11/13/afcon-2023-starts-in-two-months-heres-all-you-need-to-know-including-why-its-in-2024/ |url-status=live }}

Route to the final

=Nigeria=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right;clear:right" \|+ Nigeria results
scope="col" \| Round ! scope="col" \| Opponent ! scope="col" \| Result
style="border-top: 2px solid black;" ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Equatorial Guinea}} \| 1–1
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Ivory Coast}} \| 1–0
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Guinea-Bissau}} \| 1–0
style="border-top: 2px solid black;" ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|R16\|Round of 16}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Cameroon}} \| 2–0
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|QF\|Quarter-finals}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Angola}} \| 1–0
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|SF\|Semi-finals}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|South Africa}} \| 1–1 {{aet}} {{pso\|4–2}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right;clear:right"

|+ Nigeria results

scope="col" | Round

! scope="col" | Opponent

! scope="col" | Result

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Equatorial Guinea}}

| 1–1

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Ivory Coast}}

| 1–0

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Guinea-Bissau}}

| 1–0

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|R16|Round of 16}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Cameroon}}

| 2–0

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|QF|Quarter-finals}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Angola}}

| 1–0

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|SF|Semi-finals}}

|align="left"|{{fb|South Africa}}

| 1–1 {{aet}}
{{pso|4–2}}

Nigeria, nicknamed the Super Eagles, have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and finished four times as runners-up.{{cite news |last=Acho |first=Affa |date=30 December 2023 |title=Nigeria Always AFCON Favourites, Says Mikel |url=https://leadership.ng/nigeria-always-afcon-favourites-says-mikel/ |work=Leadership |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://leadership.ng/nigeria-always-afcon-favourites-says-mikel/ |url-status=live }} The team entered the 2023 tournament as the winners of Group A during the qualification round. They had five wins and one loss during qualification and amassed a goal differential of 18.{{cite news |last=Bonn |first=Kyle |date=9 October 2023 |title=AFCON qualifiers 2023 fixtures, results, groups, teams, and how it works ahead of Ivory Coast 2024 |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/afcon-qualifiers-2023-fixtures-results-groups-teams/sn9cswbpejkqdewyuibbeows |work=The Sporting News |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/afcon-qualifiers-2023-fixtures-results-groups-teams/sn9cswbpejkqdewyuibbeows |url-status=live }} Nigeria was drawn into Group A for the tournament proper along with hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.{{cite news |last=Fahey |first=Ciarán |date=8 January 2024 |title=Africa Cup preview: Crowded field of contenders jostling to dethrone Sadio Mané's Senegal |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/01/08/africa-cup-preview-crowded-field-of-contenders-jostling-to-dethrone-sadio-man-s-senegal/72148594007/ |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/01/08/africa-cup-preview-crowded-field-of-contenders-jostling-to-dethrone-sadio-man-s-senegal/72148594007/ |url-status=live }} They entered as favorites to advance under the leadership of striker Victor Osimhen, who was voted 2023 African Footballer of the Year and scored ten goals during qualification.{{cite news |last=Udoh |first=Collin |date=4 January 2024 |title=Last year was mostly trash for Nigerian sport, but will 2024 be better? |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39239825/last-year-was-mostly-trash-nigerian-sport-2024-better |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39239825/last-year-was-mostly-trash-nigerian-sport-2024-better |url-status=live }}

In their opening match, Nigeria drew 1–1 with Equatorial Guinea, who were 46 places below them in the world rankings. Equatorial Guinea's sole shot on target was scored by Iban Salvador in the 36th minute and followed by Osimhen's equalizer, but the team was unable to convert several chances to score.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Ben |date=14 January 2024 |title=Afcon 2023: Nigeria 1–1 Equatorial Guinea |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67904848 |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67904848 |url-status=live }} Nigeria won 1–0 against Ivory Coast in their next match after earning a penalty kick that was converted by William Troost-Ekong in the second half. The match was described as "a strong defensive performance" for the Super Eagles, who had five defenders in their formation; it was the team's first away win against Ivory Coast.{{cite news |last=Gleeson |first=Mark |date=18 January 2024 |title=Nigeria upset hosts at Cup of Nations |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/nigeria-upset-hosts-cup-nations-2024-01-18/ |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=12 February 2024}} Nigeria finished second in Group A with 7 points behind Equatorial Guinea, the unexpected group leader. The team won 1–0 against Guinea-Bissau in the final match of the group stage, benefitting from an own goal in the first half.{{cite news |date=22 January 2024 |title=Nigeria edge Guinea-Bissau 1–0 to seal last-16 place |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/nigeria-edge-guinea-bissau-1-0-seal-last-16-place-2024-01-22/ |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=12 February 2024}}

File:Argentina-Nigeria (5).jpg scored three goals and was voted the tournament's best player.]]

The Super Eagles won 2–0 in their round of 16 match against rivals Cameroon through a dominant midfield performance. Ademola Lookman scored both goals for Nigeria with Osimhen providing an assist on the first in the 36th minute and Calvin Bassey delivering a ball into the box in the 90th minute.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |date=27 January 2024 |title=Nigeria soar into Afcon quarter-finals as Lookman vanquishes Cameroon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/27/nigeria-cameroon-afcon-match-report |work=The Guardian |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184715/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/27/nigeria-cameroon-afcon-match-report |url-status=live }} The team advanced to the quarterfinals to play Angola in their first meeting since they eliminated Nigeria in qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Lookman scored the lone goal in a 1–0 victory for Nigeria, who maintained their strong defensive posture to earn their 15th semifinal appearance.{{cite news |last=Udoh |first=Colin |date=3 February 2024 |title=5 takeaways from Nigeria's AFCON quarterfinal win vs. Angola |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39446601/5-takeaways-nigeria-afcon-quarterfinal-win-vs-angola |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205105318/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39446601/5-takeaways-nigeria-afcon-quarterfinal-win-vs-angola |url-status=live }}

Nigeria had few chances to score in their semifinal against South Africa, which was decided entirely from penalty kicks.{{cite news |last=Joseph |first=Sam |date=11 February 2024 |title=Host nation Ivory Coast continues miraculous run to AFCON final to set up a matchup against Nigeria |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/11/sport/afcon-final-nigeria-ivory-coast-spt-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211202149/https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/11/sport/afcon-final-nigeria-ivory-coast-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} The Super Eagles fended off several chances for South Africa and opened the scoring in the 67th minute through a foul on Osimhen in penalty area; Troost-Ekong converted the ensuing penalty kick. Osimhen scored an apparent second goal on a counter-attack near the end of the match; it was instead rescinded by video review and a penalty was awarded to South Africa for a foul in the build-up. Teboho Mokoena scored from his penalty to tie the match at 1–1 in the 90th minute; the scoreline was unchanged through extra time, with South Africa playing through a red card for defender Grant Kekana. Nigeria won 4–2 in the penalty shootout with two saves by Stanley Nwabali.{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Ian |date=7 February 2024 |title=Afcon 2023: Nigeria 1–1 South Africa (aet, 4–2 on pens) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68150450 |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210124518/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68150450 |url-status=live }} Manager José Peseiro utilized a 3–4–3 formation with an emphasis on defense and counter-attacking; during the run to the final, Nigeria only conceded two goals.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jay |date=9 February 2024 |title=Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Star men, key battles and how the AFCON final will be won and lost |url=https://theathletic.com/5262910/2024/02/09/afcon-final-preview-nigeria-ivory-coast/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210091147/https://theathletic.com/5262910/2024/02/09/afcon-final-preview-nigeria-ivory-coast/ |url-status=live }}

=Ivory Coast=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right;clear:right" \|+ Ivory Coast results
scope="col" \| Round ! scope="col" \| Opponent ! scope="col" \| Result
style="border-top: 2px solid black;" ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Guinea-Bissau}} \| 2–0
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Nigeria}} \| 0–1
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|GS\|Group stage}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Equatorial Guinea}} \| 0–4
style="border-top: 2px solid black;" ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|R16\|Round of 16}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Senegal}} \| 1–1 {{aet}} {{pso\|5–4}}
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|QF\|Quarter-finals}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|Mali}} \| 2–1 {{aet}}
scope="row" style="text-align: center;" \|{{abbr\|SF\|Semi-finals}} \|align="left"\|{{fb\|DR Congo}} \| 1–0

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right;clear:right"

|+ Ivory Coast results

scope="col" | Round

! scope="col" | Opponent

! scope="col" | Result

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Guinea-Bissau}}

| 2–0

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Nigeria}}

| 0–1

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|GS|Group stage}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Equatorial Guinea}}

| 0–4

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|R16|Round of 16}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Senegal}}

| 1–1 {{aet}}
{{pso|5–4}}

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|QF|Quarter-finals}}

|align="left"|{{fb|Mali}}

| 2–1 {{aet}}

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" |{{abbr|SF|Semi-finals}}

|align="left"|{{fb|DR Congo}}

| 1–0

Hosts Ivory Coast automatically qualified for the 2023 tournament but were entered into the qualification round's group stage to play in competitive matches.{{cite news |date=18 April 2022 |title=Banned Kenya and Zimbabwe to be included in 2023 AFCON draw |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220418-banned-kenya-and-zimbabwe-to-be-included-in-2023-afcon-draw |work=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191341/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220418-banned-kenya-and-zimbabwe-to-be-included-in-2023-afcon-draw |url-status=live }} They were drawn into Group H and finished level on points with Zambia, who won a head-to-head goal difference tiebreaker to top the group. The team, nicknamed The Elephants ({{langx|fr|Les Éléphant}}), had previously won the African Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2015.{{cite news |last=Fahey |first=Ciarán |date=11 February 2024 |title=Party begins as Ivory Coast rallies to beat Nigeria 2–1 and win Africa Cup of Nations |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2024/02/11/africa-cup-nigeria-ivory-coast-final-score/7399a24e-c92a-11ee-aa8e-1e5794a4b2d6_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=11 February 2024}} For the tournament, Ivory Coast was placed in Group A as hosts and drawn alongside Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

The hosts entered the tournament ranked seventh among teams from Africa and with high expectations after losing their "golden generation" that had won in 2015.{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Sean |date=19 January 2024 |title=Ivory Coast AFCON 2023 squad: Jean-Louis Gasset's full team |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ivory-coast-afcon-2023-squad-jean-louis-gasset-full-team-roster-africa-cup-of-nations |work=FourFourTwo |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191342/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ivory-coast-afcon-2023-squad-jean-louis-gasset-full-team-roster-africa-cup-of-nations |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hawkey |first=Ian |date=11 January 2024 |title=Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast's legacy for producing homegrown stars a fading memory |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/01/12/afcon-2023-ivory-coasts-legacy-for-producing-homegrown-stars-a-fading-memory/ |work=The National |location=Abu Dhabi |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191342/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/01/12/afcon-2023-ivory-coasts-legacy-for-producing-homegrown-stars-a-fading-memory/ |url-status=live }} In the opening match of the tournament, Ivory Coast defeated Guinea-Bissau 2–0 with goals from Seko Fofana in the fourth minute and Jean-Philippe Krasso after half-time.{{cite news |date=14 January 2024 |title=AFCON 2024: Host Côte d'Ivoire wins opening match against Guinea-Bissau |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2024/01/14/afcon-2024-host-cote-d-ivoire-wins-opening-match-against-guinea-bissau_6429600_124.html |work=Le Monde |agency=Agence France-Presse |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212131302/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2024/01/14/afcon-2024-host-cote-d-ivoire-wins-opening-match-against-guinea-bissau_6429600_124.html |url-status=live }} The team lost 1–0 to Nigeria and 4–0 to Equatorial Guinea, the worst home defeat in the country's history, after conceding three goals in a 13-minute stretch.{{cite news |last=Ladha |first=Nishat |date=24 January 2024 |title=Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast sack Jean-Louis Gasset as coach |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/68083285 |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205100523/https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/68083285 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Dove |first=Ed |date=3 February 2024 |title=Can Ivory Coast's AFCON redemption arc continue? |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39449376/can-ivory-coast-afcon-redemption-arc-continue |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191341/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39449376/can-ivory-coast-afcon-redemption-arc-continue |url-status=live }} The upset loss to Equatorial Guinea included 22 shots for Ivory Coast, who had two goals voided by the video assistant referee due to offsides.{{cite news |last=Fahey |first=Ciarán |date=22 January 2024 |title=Equatorial Guinea routs Ivory Coast 4–0 to leave host nation at risk of Africa Cup elimination |url=https://apnews.com/article/africa-cup-ivory-coast-nigeria-egypt-ghana-score-87309f641be9f3cce37a85211ae519e9 |publisher=Associated Press |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191342/https://apnews.com/article/africa-cup-ivory-coast-nigeria-egypt-ghana-score-87309f641be9f3cce37a85211ae519e9 |url-status=live }} The hosts finished third in Group A with three points but advanced to the knockout stage as the fourth-best team to finish in third place after Morocco defeated Zambia, who finished with two points.{{cite news |last=Fahey |first=Ciarán |date=24 January 2024 |title=Ivory Coast edges into Africa Cup last 16 despite firing its coach. Morocco's win boosts host nation |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2024-01-24/mali-south-africa-and-namibia-all-reach-africa-cup-last-16-ivory-coast-left-hoping |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191341/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2024-01-24/mali-south-africa-and-namibia-all-reach-africa-cup-last-16-ivory-coast-left-hoping |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Dove |first=Ed |date=11 February 2024 |title=Ivory Coast on cusp of a most unexpected AFCON final triumph |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39503665/ivory-coast-cusp-most-unexpected-afcon-final-triumph-vs-nigeria |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212021556/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39503665/ivory-coast-cusp-most-unexpected-afcon-final-triumph-vs-nigeria |url-status=live }} Ivory Coast manager Jean-Louis Gasset was fired for the team's "insufficient results" in the group stage and replaced by assistant Emerse Faé in his first stint as a senior manager.

File:Sébastien Haller 2.jpg scored two goals in the tournament, including the winning goal in the final.]]

After a failed attempt by the Ivorian federation to temporarily hire former manager Hervé Renard for the remainder of the tournament, Faé had five days to prepare the team for a knockout match against defending champions Senegal.{{cite news |last=Obayiuwana |first=Osasu |date=30 January 2024 |title=From chaos to champions? Don't rule it out in Ivory Coast's madcap Afcon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/30/from-chaos-to-champions-ivory-coast-afcon-senegal |work=The Guardian |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191341/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/30/from-chaos-to-champions-ivory-coast-afcon-senegal |url-status=live }} Ivory Coast conceded a goal in the fourth minute to Senegal's Habib Diallo and were unsuccessful in their attempts to score. They were awarded a penalty kick by the video assistant referee that was converted by Franck Kessié in the 86th minute to tie the match at 1–1. After a scoreless extra time, the match was decided in a penalty shootout; Moussa Niakhaté missed his kick for Senegal to give Ivory Coast an advantage, which they rode to a 5–4 victory in the shootout.{{cite news |last=Ladha |first=Nishat |date=29 January 2024 |title=Afcon 2023: Senegal 1–1 Ivory Coast (aet, 4–5 on pens) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68052401 |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205091155/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68052401 |url-status=live }} The hosts advanced to a quarterfinal match against Mali and were held to a scoreless draw in the first half, but avoided conceding after a penalty kick was saved by Yahia Fofana. Ivory Coast then lost defender Odilon Kossounou, whose foul had earned Mali the penalty kick, after he was ejected after being shown a second yellow card in the 43rd minute. They played the remainder of the match with 10 players but equalized in the 90th minute through a rebound converted by Simon Adingra and took the lead in the last minute of extra time with Oumar Diakité, who was sent off with a second yellow card for his celebration.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |date=3 February 2024 |title=Diakité's 120th-minute strike sinks Mali to send 10-man Ivory Coast into last four |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/03/ivory-coast-mali-afcon-match-report |work=The Guardian |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191305/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/03/ivory-coast-mali-afcon-match-report |url-status=live }}

The team's comeback results in the early knockout stages earned them the nickname "Zombie Elephants". In the semifinal against DR Congo, Ivory Coast controlled the match and earned a 1–0 victory.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |date=7 February 2024 |title=Haller's volley knocks out DR Congo and sends hosts Ivory Coast into Afcon final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/07/hallers-volley-knocks-out-dr-congo-and-sends-hosts-ivory-coast-into-afcon-final |work=The Guardian |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212191256/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/07/hallers-volley-knocks-out-dr-congo-and-sends-hosts-ivory-coast-into-afcon-final |url-status=live }} The winning goal was scored from an acrobatic shot in the 65th minute by Sébastien Haller, who had returned to the team after treating his testicular cancer and saw limited playing time due to ankle injury. Faé became the second manager to reach a continental final after taking over mid-tournament, following Nasser Al-Johar with Saudi Arabia at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup. Ivory Coast became the 15th host nation to play in the AFCON final.

Match

=Summary=

Ivory Coast had the better control of the first half, but there were few chances for either side in the opening 30 minutes of the match.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jay |date=12 February 2024 |title=Ivory Coast are AFCON champions: From sacking manager to lifting trophy, this is their story |url=https://theathletic.com/5268792/2024/02/12/ivory-coast-afcon-champions/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212073647/https://theathletic.com/5268792/2024/02/12/ivory-coast-afcon-champions/ |url-status=live }} Among the early chances were a shot by Adingra that was blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali; Nigeria left-back Zaidu Sanusi then had a similar chance but his shot was blocked by Odilon Kossounou, who had returned from his suspension.{{cite news |last=Stevens |first=Rob |title=Nigeria v Ivory Coast match report |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68196261 |access-date=12 February 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212000326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68196261 |url-status=live }} The latter chance resulted in a corner, from which William Troost-Ekong jumped higher than defender Serge Aurier to head Nigeria into the lead in the 38th minute.{{cite news |title=Ivory Coast v Nigeria: live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2024/feb/11/nigeria-v-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-final-live |work=The Guardian |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211223355/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2024/feb/11/nigeria-v-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-final-live |url-status=live }}

Ivory Coast were the more threatening after half-time; a cross from Adingra was saved by Nwabali, and Calvin Bassey blocked the rebound from Max Gradel. Another corner led to the Ivory Coast's equalizer in the 62nd minute as Franck Kessié was left unmarked at the far post to head into the net. After 74 minutes Haller nearly scored an overhead kick, but his shot went just wide. However, seven minutes later, Haller scored after he flicked Adingra's left-wing cross into the net to put Ivory Coast into the lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the match to win a third AFCON title.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathon |title=Haller the hero as Ivory Coast seal improbable Afcon win against Nigeria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/11/nigeria-ivory-coast-african-cup-nations-afcon-final-match-report |work=The Guardian |date=11 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212183137/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/11/nigeria-ivory-coast-african-cup-nations-afcon-final-match-report |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Jonathan |date=11 February 2024 |title=Ivory Coast fight back to edge Nigeria and win AFCON 2023 after firing coach mid tournament |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/ivory-coast-fight-back-to-edge-nigeria-and-win-afcon-2023-after-firing-coach-mid-tournament/ |work=CBS Sports |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211233748/https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/ivory-coast-fight-back-to-edge-nigeria-and-win-afcon-2023-after-firing-coach-mid-tournament/ |url-status=live }} Ivory Coast winger Adingra's two assists earned him man of the match honors.{{cite news |date=11 February 2024 |title=Simon Adingra describes TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'lvoire 2023 as best moment of his career |url=https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/news/simon-adingra-describes-totalenergies-caf-afcon-cote-dlvoire-2023-as-best-moment-of-his-career/ |work=CAFOnline |publisher=CAF |accessdate=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212194110/https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/news/simon-adingra-describes-totalenergies-caf-afcon-cote-dlvoire-2023-as-best-moment-of-his-career/ |url-status=live }}

=Details=

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|2|11|df=y}}

|time = 20:00

|team1 = {{fb-rt|NGA}}

|score = 1–2

|team2 = {{fb|CIV}}

|goals1 =

Troost-Ekong {{goal|38}}

|goals2 =

Kessié {{goal|62}}
Haller {{goal|81}}

|stadium = Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan

|attendance = 57,094{{cite news |date=11 February 2024 |title=Nigeria vs Ivory Coast live updates: Africa Cup of Nations final result reaction after Haller seals comeback win |url=https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nigeria-ivory-coast-live-updates-africa-cup-nations-final-score-result/bQkCsd1Oumr1/VnyriTAvArbz/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212182855/https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nigeria-ivory-coast-live-updates-africa-cup-nations-final-score-result/bQkCsd1Oumr1/VnyriTAvArbz/ |url-status=live }}

|referee = Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

|report = https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/match-centre?competition=190&season=2023&match=2414326

}}

width=92%

{{Football kit

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|pattern_b = _nga22h

|pattern_ra = _nga22h

|pattern_sh = _nga22a

|pattern_so = _nga22h

|leftarm = 1A4030

|body = 1A4030

|rightarm = 1A4030

|shorts = 004040

|socks = 1A424b

|title = Nigeria

}}

|{{Football kit

|pattern_la = _civ22h

|pattern_b = _civ22h

|pattern_ra = _civ22h

|pattern_sh = _civ22h

|pattern_so = _civ22hl

|leftarm = FFA503

|body = FFA503

|rightarm = FFA503

|shorts = F88C39

|socks = F88C39

|title = Ivory Coast

}}

width=25\|	width=25\|
width="100%" \|valign="top" width="40%"\| {\| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
GK	23	Stanley Nwabili	{{yel\|53}}
CB	6	Semi Ajayi
CB	5	William Troost-Ekong (c)
CB	21	Calvin Bassey
RM	2	Ola Aina	{{yel\|90}}
CM	8	Frank Onyeka		{{suboff\|86}}
CM	17	Alex Iwobi		{{suboff\|79}}
LM	3	Zaidu Sanusi		{{suboff\|86}}
RW	11	Samuel Chukwueze		{{suboff\|56}}
CF	9	Victor Osimhen
LW	18	Ademola Lookman		{{suboff\|79}}
colspan=3\|Substitutions:
FW	15	Moses Simon		{{subon\|56}}
MF	4	Alhassan Yusuf		{{subon\|79}}
FW	14	Kelechi Iheanacho		{{subon\|79}}
MF	10	Joe Aribo		{{subon\|86}}
FW	24	Terem Moffi		{{subon\|86}}
colspan=3\|Coach:
colspan=3\|{{flagicon\|POR}} José Peseiro	{{yel\|28}}

|valign="top"|300px

|valign="top" width="50%"|

width=25\|	width=25\|
style="font-size:90%; margin:auto" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
GK	1	Yahia Fofana
RB	17	Serge Aurier (c)	{{yel\|54}}	{{suboff\|70}}
CB	7	Odilon Kossounou
CB	21	Evan Ndicka	{{yel\|90+7}}
LB	3	Ghislain Konan
CM	8	Franck Kessié
CM	4	Jean Michaël Seri		{{suboff\|90+2}}
CM	6	Seko Fofana	{{yel\|87}}	{{suboff\|88}}
RW	15	Max Gradel		{{suboff\|70}}
CF	22	Sébastien Haller		{{suboff\|88}}
LW	24	Simon Adingra
colspan=3\|Substitutions:
DF	5	Wilfried Singo		{{subon\|70}}
FW	14	Oumar Diakité		{{subon\|70}}
FW	11	Jean-Philippe Krasso		{{subon\|88}}
MF	18	Ibrahim Sangaré		{{subon\|88}}
MF	27	Jean Thierry Lazare		{{subon\|90+2}}
colspan=3\|Coach:
colspan=3\|Emerse Faé

style="width:100%; font-size:90%;"

Man of the Match:

Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast){{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13067540/nigeria-1-2-ivory-coast-sebastien-haller-seals-africa-cup-of-nations-final-comeback-for-host-nation|title=Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast: Sebastien Haller seals Africa Cup of Nations final comeback for host nation|date=12 February 2024|work=Sky Sports|accessdate=15 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212225657/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13067540/nigeria-1-2-ivory-coast-sebastien-haller-seals-africa-cup-of-nations-final-comeback-for-host-nation|url-status=live}}

Assistant referees:

Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola)

Diana Chicotesha (Zambia)

Fourth official:

Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)

Reserve assistant referee:

Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso)

Video assistant referee:

Mohamed Ashour (Egypt)

Assistant video assistant referees:

Maria Rivet (Mauritius)

Mohamed Ibrahim (Sudan)

|style="width:60%; vertical-align:top;"|

Match rules

90 minutes.
30 minutes of extra time if necessary.
Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
Maximum of twelve named substitutes.
Maximum of five substitutions, with a sixth allowed in extra time.{{refn|group=note|Each team was given only three opportunities to make substitutions, with a fourth opportunity in extra time, excluding substitutions made at half-time, before the start of extra time and at half-time in extra time.}}

=Statistics=

width=100 \| Statistics{{cite web \|title=Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast – Football Match Stats – February 11, 2024 \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/matchstats/_/gameId/698616 \|work=ESPN \|access-date=12 February 2024 \|date=11 February 2024 \|archive-date=12 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212132044/https://www.espn.com/soccer/matchstats/_/gameId/698616 \|url-status=live }} !style="background: #1A4030; color: #FFFFFF;\|{{flagdeco\|NGA}} Nigeria national football team !style="background: #F88C39; color: #FFFFFF;\|{{flagdeco\|CIV}} Ivory Coast national football team
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
Goals scored	1	2
Total shots	5	18
Shots on target	1	8
{{nowrap\|Ball possession}}	38%	62%
Pass accuracy	86%	74%
Corner kicks	4	5
Saves	5	0
{{nowrap\|Fouls committed}}	18	15
Offsides	0	0
Yellow cards	2	3
Red cards	0	0

Post-match

Ivory Coast won their third Africa Cup of Nations title. They became the first host nation to win the tournament since Egypt in the 2006 tournament, in which Ivory Coast finished as runners-up. Ivory Coast subsequently celebrated their victory with a parade on the streets of Abidjan, part of "huge celebrations across the country".{{Cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ian |last2=Ahmed |first2=Ameer |date=2024-02-12 |title=Afcon: Ivory Coast football fans flock to see Abidjan victory parade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68256312 |access-date=2024-02-12 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |quote=Thousands of football fans wearing orange and white have flooded the streets of Abidjan to see the Ivory Coast team parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy they won on Sunday. The hosts defeated Nigeria 2–1 to win Afcon for a third time, prompting huge celebrations across the country. |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212194920/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68256312 |url-status=live }}