Ivory Coast Clinches AFCON Victory

 Ivory Coast Clinches AFCON Victory

Simon Adingra of Ivory Coast and Karim Konate of Ivory Coast with post game celebration during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on February 11, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast(Image-Getty)

Brighton & Hove Albion's winger, Simon Adingra, played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast's victory over Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Adingra provided two crucial assists, first setting up Franck Kessie's equalizer and then delivering a cross for Sebastien Haller's winning goal. Haller, who overcame cancer last year, secured Ivory Coast's third AFCON title and their first since 2015.

Adingra, at the age of twenty-two, joins Nottingham Forest's Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare as the three Premier League players celebrating Ivory Coast's triumph. However, for Ola Aina (Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), and Alex Iwobi (Fulham), who all started for Nigeria, it marks a disappointing end.

The tournament showcased the talent of 30 Premier League players from 12 different nations. As the final concludes, the seven players involved will return to their clubs, awaiting decisions regarding their availability for Matchweek 25.