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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.