Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria to battle hosts Cote d’Ivoire in AFCON 2023 final

It will be a clash of two West African powerhouses in the final match of the 34th edition of the continental championship

Cote d’Ivoire have set up a date with Nigeria in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating DR Congo 1-0 in the second semifinal on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated South Africa on penalties in the first semifinal to secure their place in the title decider to be played on Sunday, February 11.

William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot for the Super Eagles before Teboho Mokoena netted the equaliser also from the spot in stoppage time.

Nothing could separate the two teams after extra time as the game headed into the penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Nwabali saved two South African spot-kicks as goals from Terem Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, and Kelechi Iheanacho to send Nigeria to their first AFCON final in eleven years.

In the second semifinals, the clash between Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo ended goalless at halftime before Sebastine Haller broke the deadlock midway through the second half.

It proved to be the only goal of the encounter as the hosts reached the final after nearly exiting the tournament in the group stage. 

Nigeria’s clash with Cote d’Ivoire will be a repeat of their meeting on matchday two in Group A when the Super Eagles ran out 1-0 winners. 

Reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen drew the penalty which William Troost-Ekong converted to hand Nigeria all three points on that day.

Interestingly, Nigeria have remained unbeaten at the AFCON, while Cote d’Ivoire have reached the final despite losing two of their three group games. 

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