Nigeria defeats Ivory Coast: CAF celebrates Super Eagles AFCON 2013 journey
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CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

Nigeria defeats Ivory Coast: CAF celebrates Super Eagles AFCON 2013 journey

Tosin Abayomi 19:20 - 16.03.2025

CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has highlighted again the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

In a post on social media, the African football governing body revisited the rivalry between West African countries Nigeria and the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

Nigeria vs Ivory Coast 2013 AFCON

The post has gone viral and revisited one of the greatest football games at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast
Yaya Toure at the 2013 AFCON against Nigeria | Imago CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

The 2013 AFCON quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is described as legendary.

At the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, Nigeria battled Ivory Coast in a match described as "the final before the final"

Nigeria would edge out Ivory Coast, in orange, with a 2-1 victory that propelled the Super Eagles into the semifinals and set the stage for their eventual tournament triumph.

CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast
Obi while playing the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced off against Drogba's Cote d'Ivoire at the 2006, 2008, and 2013 AFCON editions. - Imago CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

Under coach Stephen Keshi the Super Eagles with Emmanuel Emenike, Sunday Mba, were underdogs to an Ivory Coast team that included Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Gervinho.

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Sunday Mba, unleashed a low-driven shot past Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime.

CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast
Super Eagles of Nigeria celebrate AFCON 2013 winning coach Stephen Keshi 8 years after death. CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast responded fiercely in the second half, equalizing in the 50th minute through a header by Cheik Tioté who headed home a free-kick cross delivered by Drogba.

The turning point came in the 78th minute when Emmanuel Emenike restored Nigeria’s lead.

CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast
Nigeria win 2013 AFCON Tournament || Credit: Goal CAF celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria AFCON 2013 journey with quarterfinal victory against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast

Enyeama produced outstanding saves—including a breathtaking stop from a Drogba header late in the match—ensured Nigeria held on.

The victory over Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals was a defining moment for Nigeria, propelling them into the semifinals, where they defeated Mali 4-1, and ultimately the final, where they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to claim their third AFCON title.

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