Eagles Fail To Fly Against Cote D’Ivoire When It Mattered

Host Cote D’Ivoire ended Nigeria’s dream for a fourth AFCON title with a 2-1 win on Sunday night in Abidjan.

In a packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium, it was the Ivorians who looked set to take the day as they dominated in all aspects of the game while the Nigerians appeared nervous to the suprise of football enthusiasts.

Nigeria scored the first goal when Troost-Ekong beat Aurier to meet the ball and firmly plant his header into Yahia Fofana’s top-right corner.

Cote D’Ivoire got the equalizer in the 62nd minute through Frank Kessie as the Nigerian defence was caught ball watching as the headed the ball through Nwabali’s hands.

The lack of coordination from the Eagles allowed the host get into the lead in the 81st as Sebastien Haller sticks out a leg to turn Simon Adingra’s cross past the keeper.

Côte d’Ivoire’s success sees them add this year’s title to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall. Only Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have won the title more often, with the Super Eagles squandering the opportunity to match their Ghanaian rivals on four victories.

Spearheaded by reigning African player of the year Osimhen, the Nigerians had looked the most formidable team in the competition over the last month. But Côte d’Ivoire’s sense of destiny was simply too overpowering, as they became the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.

Two defeats in the group, a manager departure, a campaign in chaos but Ivory Coast are redeemed in front of their own fans and are champions of Africa for a third time.

It is indeed a fairytale for the Elephants who rose from the dead to win the title.

Whatever seems to have clipped the Eagles’ wings at that crucial time remains history but what is needed is for Nigeria to build on the successes and mistakes of this team and continue the search for glory.