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Every player in Ivory Coast’s winning squad will pocket $82,000 (£65,000) and get a villa worth a similar amount, the presidency announced.

“You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo,” said President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, which hosted the pan-African tournament.

Nigeria also got a heroes’ welcome.

Although their 2-1 loss in the final spelled heartbreak for the Super Eagles’ millions of fans at home and in the diaspora, their efforts are being handsomely rewarded by President Bola Tinubu.

Each member of the Nigerian squad has received one of the country’s highest honours – the Member of the Order of the Niger. The president is also giving them each an apartment and a piece of land near the capital, Abuja.

Third-placed South Africa are also set to receive about $52,000 per player, according to local media.

It is not clear what cash payment Nigeria’s players are to receive from the state purse.

But all of the perks listed above are in addition to the usual prize money doled out by the Africa Cup of Nations, which they say they have boosted by 40% since the last tournament.

This means that winners Ivory Coast get $7m, runners-up Nigeria get $4m, semi-finalist South Africa and DR Congo each get $2.5m, while the four teams who made the quarter-finals take home $1.3m each.

This year’s Africa Cup of Nations enjoyed the highest viewing numbers in its 67-year history – thanks to bigger broadcasting and commercial deals, and social media buzz. Almost two billion people are said to have watched worldwide.

Analysts hope the global appreciation for Africa’s footballing flair will translate into more starting slots for African teams at future World Cups.

As it stands, Africa has only nine World Cup spots to Europe’s 13, despite the fact these two continents have a near-identical number of Fifa-affiliated countries.

African national teams have in the past complained their salaries and bonuses have not been paid.

The Cameroon side who won global admiration for their quarter-final performance against England in the 1990 World Cup waited over 30 years to get houses they were promised, by which time their captain had died.

At last year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup, South African footballers won a pay dispute after sitting out a match in protest. Their hastily assembled substitutes had included a 13-year-old girl.

By Agencies

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Nigeria was handed $4m by the Confederation of African Football.

Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast again as the Elephants beat Nigeria.

The striker, who had also netted the semi-final winner just 13 months on from his return from testicular cancer flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.

William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in from nine yards out following a corner.

Franck Kessie nodded in the equaliser in the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked at the back post from Adingra’s corner.

After a remarkable run to the final, which included the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a third continental title with a deserved victory.

The West Africans add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.

Interim coach Emerse Fae masterminded Ivory Coast’s passage through the knockout stages, which included dramatic victories over defending champions Senegal and Mali after late equalisers in both games.

Ivory Coast spent more than $1 billion on hosting the tournament, investing a similar amount on improving infrastructure in the country, and Ivorian President Alassane Outtara joined in the post-match celebrations in the stadium bearing his name.

Nigeria, three-time continental champions themselves, had previously been unbeaten at the finals, including a 1-0 win over the Ivorians in the group stage, but the Super Eagles rarely imposed themselves after sitting back for most of the contest.

Ivory Coast dominated most of the first half in front of a fervent crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, but failed to carve out chances as Nigeria sat deep and soaked up pressure.

The game sparked into life after the drinks break on the half-hour mark, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali blocking Adingra’s shot from a narrow angle before Nigeria left-back Zaidu Sanusi won a corner when his effort was blocked by Odilon Kossounou.

Ademola Lookman’s inswinging corner was headed up into the air by Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri at the near post, and Troost-Ekong leapt above Serge Aurier to guide the ball back across goal and past the despairing dive of Elephants keeper Yahia Fofana.

The Ivorians came out with renewed purpose after the break, with the lively Adingra at the heart of their best moments on the left flank.

A dangerous low cross from the Brighton winger was tipped away by Nwabali and Calvin Bassey made a crucial block to prevent an equaliser after Max Gradel pounced on the loose ball.

Nwabali then had to dive to his right to scramble a long-range shot from Kossounou wide, and the Elephants equalised from the resulting corner as the Nigeria defence somehow failed to pick up Kessie.

The Super Eagles had a chance to retake the lead when Troost-Ekong headed a free-kick from Ademola Lookman wide, but the decisive moment came from an inspired finish by Haller when the Borussia Dortmund man stuck out his right leg to flick Adingra’s cross past Nwabali.

The tournament, which was delayed from its intended staging in June and July last year because of weather concerns in West Africa, will live long in the memory after a record number of goals, unrelenting upsets and an apparent capacity for unceasing drama.

Much of that was provided by the hosts, who had appeared on the brink of an early exit after a shock 4-0 defeat by the Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A outing.

Gasset departed as coach and Fae managed to instil renewed belief after inheriting a side which were given a second life as one of four best-ranked third-placed sides.

Progress had been secured after Morocco – whose national flag Ivory Coast co-captain Max Gradel waved before lifting the trophy – beat Zambia in the final round of group games to stop the southern Africans stealing their spot.

Elephants supporters had understandably been left reeling after what was a record defeat at home but rallied behind a side which showed incredible mental fortitude to eliminate Senegal and Mali in two epic ties, prior to a far more routine victory against DR Congo in the semi-finals.

Fae, who was part of the Ivory Coast side that finished runners-up to Egypt in 2006 – a campaign in which he played every minute, has now won Africa’s biggest prize in just his fourth game in senior management.

The resilience of the 40-year-old’s side was underlined as the hosts held their nerve after falling behind against the run of play in front of a sea of orange in the final.

Ivory Coast become the 12 host nation to win the Nations Cup title, while Nigeria will be left to rue a fifth defeat in the showpiece game – and their second in Abidjan after losing to Cameroon in 1984.

By Agencies

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𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺

Côte d’Ivoire are crowned African Champions for the third time in their history! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Y2xx7l1JAb

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024

The game started with William Troost-Ekong giving Nigeria an early lead in the first half, capitalizing on a header from a dangerous corner routine. However, Franck Kessié leveled the score for Ivory Coast in the 62nd minute, converting a corner delivered by Adingra. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Haller, who overcame testicular cancer earlier in the year, secured the win with a crucial goal.

Also Read: Nigeria Secures AFCON Final Spot in Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory

Adingra, named the man of the match, emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s the power of the group and the mindset that put us through. We had some challenging moments but we rescued ourselves, although it wasn’t easy.”

Borussia Dortmund forward Haller, a key player for Ivory Coast, missed the start of the tournament due to an ankle injury but played a pivotal role in their success. This victory marks Ivory Coast’s third AFCON triumph, bringing them level with Nigeria as the joint-fourth most successful team in tournament history and their first title since 2015.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba were present at the final, witnessing the remarkable achievement. The result is even more impressive considering Ivory Coast’s coach, Emerse Faé, took over after the group stage, with the team initially managed by Jean-Louis Gasset, who faced early challenges.

Ivory Coast dominated the first half, with midfielders Seko Fofana and Jean Michaël Seri controlling the tempo. Despite Nigeria taking the lead against the run of play, Ivory Coast fought back and eventually secured the victory.

The historic win has ignited celebrations in Abidjan and beyond, with the home side’s defense holding firm against Nigeria’s late attacking efforts.

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro acknowledged Ivory Coast’s superiority, stating, “Our team had a fantastic tournament, but today Ivory Coast was better. Our team didn’t show our level. That’s the truth. It was not the same job as we did in the previous rounds.”

This victory solidifies Ivory Coast’s status as a football powerhouse in Africa, and fans are sure to celebrate this memorable achievement for years to come.

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The only goal of a cagey contest in Abidjan came in the 65th minute when Haller’s volley bounced down into the ground and up over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The Borussia Dortmund striker should have opened the scoring just before the break with an unmarked header, while he also missed a chance to double the lead when sending a lob narrowly wide.

DR Congo did not look like getting a late equaliser, although Meschack Elia sent a volley wide of the left-hand upright and Simon Banza then fired well over in injury time.

Ivory Coast had sacked Jean-Louis Gasset as boss before scraping through the group stage, and had needed late goals against both Senegal and Mali to progress to the last four.

But interim boss Emerse Fae now has a chance to guide the Elephants to a third continental title, adding to triumphs in 1992 and 2015, when they face three-time winners Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday (20:00 GMT).

The Super Eagles had reached the final earlier on Wednesday after beating South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Bouake.

The match was the first time the tournament hosts had returned to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium since suffering a chastening 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea which had left the West Africans on the brink of exiting the finals after just three games.

Fae made four changes to the side which grabbed a 90th-minute equaliser and a 122nd-minute winner against Mali, with captain Serge Aurier, centre-back Odilon Kossounou and forward Christian Kouame all suspended.

Meanwhile, the DR Congo squad staged a protest during the anthems with players and coach Sebastien Desabre covering their mouths and pointing to the side of their heads to call for peace in the eastern part of the country.

The Leopards threatened from first-half corners, with Haller forced into a diving header to clear one at the near post before Elephants keeper Yahia Fofana flapped at the next delivery.

Cedric Bakambu headed in the loose ball and wheeled away in celebration but referee Ibrahim Mutaz had already blown his whistle, ruling that Elia had kicked the ball out of Fofana’s hands.

Meanwhile the delivery of Ivorian right-back Wilfried Singo was causing problems at the other end, with Simon Adingra planting a header wide of goal before Haller missed a glorious chance five minutes before half-time when he mis-timed his effort wide from eight yards out.

There was still time before the break for Elephants midfielder Franck Kessie to strike the left-hand post with a fierce strike.

Three minutes after the restart, Theo Bongonda almost put DR Congo ahead but the half-time substitute could only fire into the side-netting after bursting into the area and thrillingly wriggling past two defenders.

Mpasi parried away another powerful shot from Kessi but the Leopards stopper was unfortunate with what proved to be the winner.

Haller dropped back to meet Max-Alain Gradel’s cross from the right with a first-time volley from about 13 yards out, and the bounce of the ball caught out Mpasi as it dipped just under his crossbar.

Sending a flicked header from a corner over the bar, the involved Haller was then narrowly off target with his lobbed attempt from outside the box after a poor defensive header gifted him the chance to wrap up the tie.

Two-time champions themselves, but not since 1974, DR Congo had drawn their first four games at the finals but could not find a way back into the match after coming from behind to beat Guinea in the quarter-finals.

Ivory Coast become the first hosts to reach an Afcon final since Egypt in 2006 – with the Pharaohs also the most recent side to lift the trophy on home soil that year.

After a tournament of underdog success and surprise results, Ivory Coast fans can now look forward to a heavyweight clash with Nigeria following a path through the finals which has already involved several dramatic twists and turns.

It could also cap a remarkable journey for Fae, the 40-year-old former Nantes, Reading and Nice midfielder, who could win Africa’s most prestigious trophy in just his fourth game in charge of his country.

By BBC News

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The Ivory Coast team, also known as the Elephants, has experienced a rollercoaster journey in the tournament. Despite scraping through the group stage, they’ve displayed remarkable resilience in knockout matches, with late equalizers against Senegal and Mali. Interim coach Emerse Fae acknowledges the team’s luck but emphasizes the potential contributions from substitutes.

Also Read: South Africa’s Goalkeeper Saves Four Penalties in Shootout Win

Ivory Coast faces DR Congo, a team that reached the quarter-finals after drawing their first four games and boasts dead-ball prowess with three set-piece goals in the knockout stage. Despite the challenges, DR Congo remains unbeaten, and coach Sebastien Desabre believes they are gaining momentum.

In the other semi-final, Nigeria takes on South Africa in a repeat of the 2000 Nations Cup semi-final. Nigeria, playing in their record-extending 15th Afcon semi-final, has impressed with a solid defense, winning their past four games without conceding a goal. Coach Jose Peseiro emphasizes the defensive structure and praises the attacking prowess of players like Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

South Africa, led by coach Hugo Broos, has defied expectations, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 24 years. Broos relies on the core of Mamelodi Sundowns players for their experience and teamwork. Despite achieving four consecutive clean sheets, Broos acknowledges concerns about fatigue, emphasizing the “heavy legs” observed in their last match against Cape Verde.

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FULL-TIME!

The Leopards edge the Syli National in a 3-1 victory! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #RDCGUI pic.twitter.com/echitQ2agx

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024

Following their historic knockout victory against Equatorial Guinea in the last 16, Kaba Diawara’s squad faced a formidable challenge against DR Congo. The game began at a frantic pace, with Yoane Wissa missing an early opportunity for the Leopards. Guinea secured a contentious penalty after Chancel Mbemba’s push on Mohamed Bayo, and Bayo capitalized on it to give Guinea the lead.

Also Read: Nigeria Secures Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Final Spot with Victory over Angola

In a swift response to his earlier mistake, Mbemba leveled the score just seven minutes later with a clinical strike into the net after Arthur Masuaku’s corner caused chaos in the Guinean defense. DR Congo continued to press, with Cédric Bakambu narrowly missing a chance to take the lead.

The Leopards maintained their momentum into the second half, earning a penalty after a marauding run from substitute Silas was halted by Julian Jeanvier. Wissa converted the penalty, giving DR Congo a narrow advantage. Despite Guinea’s attempts for a comeback, DR Congo celebrated a third goal with a spectacular long-range free-kick from Masuaku, sealing the victory and securing their place in the semifinals for the first time since 2015.

The win showcases DR Congo’s resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash in the AFCON tournament. Stay tuned for more updates as the Leopards aim for glory in the upcoming matches.

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FULL-TIME!

Cote d'Ivoire are through after an intense penalty shootouts! #SENCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/kBtagLEzWX

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

Senegal quickly took the lead within four minutes as Habib Diallo chested down Sadio Mane’s left-wing cross, unleashing a powerful 10-yard shot into the top corner. Despite Mane avoiding a red card for a questionable challenge, Senegal couldn’t extend their lead. In the final minutes, Ivory Coast was awarded a penalty, and Franck Kessie equalized, forcing the match into a shootout.

Ivory Coast, reeling from a recent 4-0 home loss to Equatorial Guinea, made a remarkable turnaround, replacing coach Jean-Louis Gasset with assistant Emerse Fae. The Ivorians displayed a vastly improved performance against Senegal, who had comfortably won their group matches.

Also Read: Cape Verde Achieves Historic Africa Cup of Nations Triumph

Sebastien Haller, Ivory Coast striker, expressed the emotional journey his team went through, saying, “It’s very emotional; the last few days were tough for us.” Despite recent challenges, Ivory Coast now advances to the quarterfinals, facing the winner of the Mali vs. Burkina Faso match.

Senegal, leading 1-0, believed they deserved a penalty in the second half, but VAR disagreed when Ismaila Sarr went down in the box. The hosts dominated the night, and although Senegal missed opportunities, Ivory Coast secured a penalty through VAR, leveling the score. The game went to penalties, and Niakhate’s miss proved costly for Senegal, allowing Ivory Coast to secure a quarterfinal spot.

The hosts, relieved to avoid an early exit, showcased a resilient performance, and the upcoming quarterfinals promise more intense action in the Africa Cup of Nations.

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𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/AvCrYtL7oT

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 24, 2024

In an astonishing turn of events, Ivory Coast, the tournament hosts, faced a close call, narrowly avoiding an early exit. The group stage witnessed lesser-known teams securing comfortable victories, outshining the superstar players who were expected to dominate the headlines. The stage was set for unprecedented plot twists that even Hollywood scriptwriters might find too fanciful.

Amidst the thrilling on-field action, the group stage also witnessed surprising managerial departures. One departure, in particular, caught the attention, not as a consequence of elimination, adding an unexpected layer to the unfolding drama.

Also Read: Mauritania Stuns Algeria with 1-0 Victory, Secures Historic Round of 16 Spot in AFCON

With the knockout stage scheduled to kick off on Saturday, football enthusiasts are bracing themselves for more edge-of-the-seat moments. As the journey to determine the continental champions progresses, BBC Sport Africa reflects on the exhilarating and unpredictable opening 11 days that have set the stage for a memorable Afcon tournament.

Unforeseen Upsets and Dramatic Twists Dominate

Nigeria’s comeback to secure a draw against Equatorial Guinea in the early stages of the finals hinted at the series of upsets that unfolded. Egypt, a seven-time champion, took an early lead against Mozambique but required a 97th-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah to salvage a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for the thrilling matches that followed.

Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia, all former champions, surprisingly failed to advance to the last 16. Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, and Angola emerged as group leaders, with Ivory Coast suffering a stunning 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match, a match witnessed by iconic striker Didier Drogba.

Ivory Coast’s loss marked them as the only host nation to lose two group games, repeating a record set in 1984 when they previously hosted the tournament. Namibia, ranked 115th globally, caused a major upset by securing their first win in the finals at the 10th attempt, defeating 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0.

While Mauritania defeated Algeria on the same night, resulting in the 2019 champions exiting early for the second consecutive time, The Gambia and Cameroon engaged in a remarkable Group C showdown. Despite being the lowest-ranked team, Cameroon took an 85th-minute lead, but two late goals secured their progression.

Defending champions Senegal, with a flawless 100% record, smoothly advanced to the last 16. The group stage of the tournament provided unforgettable moments, featuring unexpected outcomes and dramatic turnarounds, making it a spectacle for football fans worldwide.

Goal-Scoring Dramas Unfold

Garry Rodrigues’ 92nd-minute winner for Cape Verde added pressure on Ghana after capitalizing on defensive errors. Ghana’s rollercoaster continued with a two-goal lead squandered against Mozambique due to goals in the 91st and 94th minutes.

Egypt experienced late drama, taking the lead in the 93rd minute against Cape Verde but conceding a 99th-minute equalizer. Despite drawing all three group games 2-2, the Pharaohs secured a spot ahead of Ghana.

Burkina Faso advanced with Bertrand Traore’s 96th-minute penalty, while Algeria’s fate was sealed despite Baghdad Bounedjah’s 95th-minute header salvaging a draw against Burkina Faso.

With an increased tally of five goals between the 86th and 90th minutes, compared to three in the past two tournaments, late-game heroics have become a defining feature. Notable instances include Namibia’s Deon Hotto securing a victory two minutes from time and Cameroon’s comeback against The Gambia with James Gomez’s 87th-minute own goal and Christopher Wooh’s winner a minute into added time.

These thrilling late-game moments have contributed to an impressive average of 2.47 goals per game, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament. As knockout football approaches, anticipation looms over whether the trend of late-game drama will persist.

Salah’s Afcon Journey in Jeopardy as Attention Shifts to Other Star Performers

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, the center of attention at Afcon 2023, faces uncertainty following a first-half stoppage time hamstring injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana. Despite expressing a strong desire to secure his first title, Salah’s return to the tournament appears doubtful as he seeks treatment back at Anfield.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus showcased his talent with both goals against Egypt, only to experience disappointment as Ghana suffered a setback against Mozambique, attributing it to a lapse in concentration.

African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, though yet to match his Serie A glory from last season, leads Afcon in expected goals (xG) and attempts, scoring once from a combined xG of 2.72 with 13 shots.

34-year-old Equatorial Guinea striker Emilio Nsue, formerly with Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, steals the spotlight as Afcon’s top scorer with five goals. His historic hat-trick against Ivory Coast propelled the National Thunder to an unexpected Group A leadership.

Intriguing performances from these players add layers of excitement to Afcon 2023, as the tournament unfolds with unexpected narratives and standout individual contributions.

Managerial Shake-ups Follow Big Exits in 2023 Afcon

When top-tier teams exit the tournament, managers face the consequences. Ghana swiftly dismissed Chris Hughton after their elimination, triggering a series of managerial departures. The Gambia’s Tom Saintfiet resigned moments after their exit, unable to replicate the success of their debut quarter-final appearance two years prior.

In less surprising moves, Algeria and Tunisia witnessed managerial changes, with Djamel Belmadi parting ways with Algeria and Jalel Kadri resigning as Tunisia’s manager. Ivory Coast took decisive action after finishing third in Group A, with Jean-Louis Gasset paying the price for a historic defeat against Equatorial Guinea.

In a surprising twist, Ivory Coast still qualified despite Gasset’s departure and is set to face reigning champions Senegal on Monday. Meanwhile, mid-tournament bans were imposed by the Confederation of African Football on Tanzania’s Adel Amrouche and Morocco’s Walid Regragui, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the managerial landscape.

As the drama unfolds, the managerial carousel continues, shaping the narrative of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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FULL-TIME!

A big big win for Nzalang Nacional over the hosts! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #EQGCIV pic.twitter.com/kh1GzESOrn

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 22, 2024

Following a disappointing loss to Nigeria, Les Éléphants sought redemption against Equatorial Guinea. Despite dominating early territory and creating numerous opportunities, they struggled to break through until the 30th minute when Christian Kouamé set up Nicolas Pépé, who was thwarted by Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper Jesús Owono.

The Ivorians’ offensive shortcomings proved costly, with Equatorial Guinea taking the lead in the 42nd minute. Carlos Akapo drove into the area, delivering a low pass to Emilio Nsue, who capitalized on his earlier hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau, leaving the Ivorian crowd stunned.

Also Read: Nigeria Clinches AFCON Knockout Spot with 1-0 Victory Over Guinea Bissau

Just before halftime, Ivory Coast believed they had equalized, but Ibrahim Sangaré’s goal was disallowed for offside. The second half saw a determined Ivory Coast side attempting to level the score, but Sangaré missed a golden opportunity from close range. Their misfortunes continued as VAR ruled out a goal by Jean-Philippe Krasso for offside.

Equatorial Guinea capitalized on Ivory Coast’s vulnerabilities, extending their lead with a spectacular 25-yard free-kick from Pablo Ganet. As Ivory Coast threw bodies forward in desperation, they were caught on the counter-attack, allowing José Machín to set up Nsue for his fifth tournament goal. The misery deepened for Ivory Coast as Equatorial Guinea secured a convincing 4-0 victory with Jannick Buyla’s rebound.

Although Nigeria’s win over Guinea-Bissau secured third place for Ivory Coast, their chances of progressing remain slim with three points and a minus three goal difference. Jean-Louis Gasset’s team now faces an uphill battle, needing a series of miraculous outcomes to advance in the tournament.

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