African Cup of Nations: Eagles battle Elephants in finals
The Nigeria soccer squad, Super Eagles will on Sunday battle the Cote d’Ivoire team known as Elephants at the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), a football match scheduled to hold on Sunday in Abdjan
Penpushing reports that Nigeria team booked their place in the final with 4-2 penalties shoot out against Bafana Bafana of South Africa after 120 minutes encounter which ended 1-1, while Cote d’Ivoire, the host country of the tournament also booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over DR Congo.
The Nigeria Super Eagles had met the host country team in the group stage and won 1-0, courtesy of a penalty from William Troost-Ekong, but the Elephants, however, passed through turbulent path to the final even after being humiliated 4-0 by Equitorial Guinea
Penpushing further reports that Sébastien Haller scored the goal that took the Elephants into Sunday’s final against Nigeria, while the host country only sneaked through to the Round of 16 as one the four best losers who progressed.
This was made possible courtesy of it’s 2-0 defeat of Guinea Bissau on January 13, 2024, the first day of the competition, but after almost missing out from Group A, the Elephants overcame all other subsequent obstacles, defeating favourites Senegal 5-4 on penalties in the round of sixteen.
Penpushing also reports that in the quarterfinal, it overwhelmed fellow Mali 2-1 in a dramatic fashion to set a semi-final date with its Wednesday opponent DR Congo, and with its victory over the Central Africans, the Elephants have now booked another date against Nigeria.
The Super Eagles are determined to win this tournament and fly the trophy back to Abuja, the coutry’s capital to at least give citizens, most of whom are facing severe economic difficulties, something to cheer.
Penpushing reports that on their parts the Ivorians are also holding on tightly to their host-to-win ambition, while record has it that eight host countries have won the tournaments at various times in the past which include Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Ghana, Sudan and Ethiopia.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]
