As the highly anticipated AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast approaches, three pivotal statistics stand out, shaping the narrative of this exciting clash scheduled for Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m. GMT at the Ebimpé Stadium.
18 Years of Anticipation: Host Nation in the Final
Ivory Coast’s triumphant journey to the AFCON 2023 final, secured with a Wednesday victory against DR Congo (1-0), marks a historic moment. For the first time in 18 years, a host country has reached the pinnacle of the competition. The last team to achieve this remarkable feat was Egypt in 2006, ultimately clinching the AFCON title. Tunisia in 2004 also secured victory on home soil. This statistic adds a layer of optimism for the Elephants, who have not graced the final for nine years since their 2015 triumph against Ghana on penalties (0-0, 9-8 tab).
18 ans qu’un pays hôte n’avait pas été en finale !🔥
C’est la statistique du jour, la Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 est devenue le 1er pays hôte à aller en finale de la CAN depuis l’Égypte 🇪🇬 (2006).👀#can #performance #finale #2K23 #Nigeria #CIV pic.twitter.com/pBHmVkujqe
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) February 9, 2024
Perfect Record: Ivory Coast’s Penchant for 0-0 and Penalties
Ivory Coast boasts a unique record in its AFCON final appearances, having participated in four, winning two and losing two. Notably, each of these finals concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, followed by a decisive penalty shootout. In 1992, the Elephants secured the AFCON title against Ghana in a historic penalty shootout (0-0, 11-10 tab). The déjà vu moment occurred in 2015, once again triumphing over the Black Stars through penalties (0-0, 9-8 tab). However, the two defeats in 2006 against Egypt and in 2012 against Zambia also unfolded in penalty shootouts.
Nigeria’s Quest for Glory: Eighth Final Appearance
Three-time African champions Nigeria are set to make their eighth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Only Egypt and Ghana, each with nine final appearances (excluding final groups), have surpassed this feat. The Super Eagles have clinched victory in two of their last three finals (1994 and 2013), overcoming a previous trifecta of defeats (1984, 1988, and 1990) after their initial triumph in 1980. With a storied history, Nigeria aims to add another chapter to their legacy in the upcoming showdown with Ivory Coast.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞. 🏆
Tonight is the night a new African champion emerges and starts his reign. 👑
Who rises victorious? 🇳🇬🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023Final | #NGRCIV pic.twitter.com/MsinwEZerJ
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024
