Ivory Coast became the first country since Egypt in 2006 to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as host nation following their win over Nigeria on Sunday night.
Sebastien Haller, once again, was the hero for the Elephants who came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.
The Borussia Dortmund man, who had also scored the semi-final winner just 13 months after returning from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra's cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes left to cap a second-half comeback and stir frenzied celebrations in Abidjan.
William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before halftime with a stunning header from nine yards out from a corner.
The Super Eagles went into the break with a 1-0 lead and looked certain to claim a fourth AFCON title at the expense of the Ivorians.
However, Ivory Coast came back from the recess the stronger side and pushed for an equaliser.
Franck Kessie equalised in the 62nd minute when he was unmarked at the back post after Adingra's corner.
Just few minutes away from full-time, Adingra burst forward down the right before sending in a cross which was met by Haller to turn the tie around for Ivory Coast.
After a dramatic run to the final, featuring coach Jean-Louis Gasset's departure following two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians won their third continental title with a well-deserved triumph.
The West Africans build on their two Nations Cup victories in 1992 and 2015, becoming the first tournament hosts to win since Egypt in 2006.
Latest Stories
-
Queenmother calls on President-elect Mahama to appoint more women in his government
2 hours -
Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to go top of La Liga
2 hours -
Usyk breaks Fury’s heart with points win in rematch
2 hours -
Ghana-Russia Centre to run Russian language courses in Ghana
7 hours -
The Hidden Costs of Hunger: How food insecurity undermines mental and physical health in the U.S.
8 hours -
18plus4NDC marks 3rd anniversary with victory celebration in Accra
11 hours -
CREMA workshop highlights collaborative efforts to sustain Akata Lagoon
11 hours -
2024/25 Ghana League: Heart of Lions remain top with win over Basake Holy Stars
12 hours -
Black Queens: Nora Hauptle shares cryptic WAFCON preparation message amid future uncertainty
12 hours -
Re-declaration of parliamentary results affront to our democracy – Joyce Bawah
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Vision FC score late to deny Young Apostles third home win
13 hours -
Enhancing community initiatives for coastal resilience: Insights from Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site Workshop
13 hours -
Family Health University College earns a Presidential Charter
13 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Bibiani GoldStars beat Nsoatreman to keep title race alive
13 hours -
GPL 2024/25 Bechem United keep title hopes alive with narrow win over FC Samartex
13 hours