Sports
Ivory Coast Beat Super Eagles To Win 2023 AFCON
The Elephants of Ivory Coast have beaten the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the 2023 AFCON in regulation time.
After finishing third in Group A and managing to qualify for the round of 16 as one of the four best losers, Ivory Coast turned their virtues around to win their third AFCON.
Ivory Coast had a terrible run in the group stage of the tournament in which they recorded two defeats and just one win. They lost 1-0 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria and 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea.
Due to their poor run of games in the group stage, the Ivorian side sacked their French tactician Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with Emerse Fae.
The 40-year-old former Ivorian footballer turned the Elephants around and led them to the final of the 2023 AFCON in great style.
During the 2023 AFCON final, the Ivorian side completely outplayed the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The hosts recorded 63 percent of the ball possession, making 409 passes. The home side had 18 shots, 8 of which was on target.
While the Super Eagles recorded just 37 percent of the ball possession, recording 5 shots, one of which was on target.
Despite that, Nigeria scored the opening goal in the 38th minute via a header from William Troost-Ekong after a crossing. The Super Eagles went into the second half with the slim lead.
In the second half, Ivory Coast continued to dominate the game as the Super Eagles continued to play defensive football while continually launching forward in futility.
In the 62nd minute, Franck Kessié scored the equaliser via a header, while Sébastien Haller scored the winner in the 81st minute to gift the Elephants a 2-1 win and the 2023 AFCON title.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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