RE-LIVE Updates: Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Nigeria - TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Final
22:04 GMT: FULL-TIME!!!!!!! Cote d'Ivoire are the champions of Africa as they referee blows the final whistle of the match for the Elephants to win their third Afcon title on home soil.
21:42 GMT: GOAL!!!!!!! Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Nigeria. Sebastian Haller puts the home side in the lead after connecting Simon Agingra's cross. Great combination to lift the roof of the stadium in Abidjan.
21:25 GMT: GOAL!!!!!!! Cote d'Ivoire 1-1 Nigeria. Frank Kessie restores parity as the crowd roars from the header of the Italy-based player's header from corner.
21:08 GMT: We are underway with the second-half of the match as Nigeria are hoping to keep their lead in thew next 45 minutes while the Elephants seek to improve their fortunes.
20:51 GMT: HALF-TIME: Cote d'Ivoire 0-1 Nigeria.
20:38 GMT: GOAL!!!!!!! Cote d'Ivoire 0-1 Nigeria. Despite the home side dominating possession, they've struggled to capitalize, and Nigeria seizes the opportunity with their initial significant shot. Following a partially cleared corner, William Troost-Ekong rises to send a commanding header into the goal.
20:00 GMT: And we're off! The AFCON final between Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria is underway! For live play-by-play updates, head over to our match center here. Let the games begin!
19:30 GMT: The tension is palpable as the clock ticks down to kick-off. It's time for the players to make history, to etch their names into the annals of African football. Stay with us for minute-by-minute coverage!
19:00 GMT: As the players undergo their final preparations, emotions run high on both sides. It's a momentous occasion for Nigerian and Ivorian football alike. The stage is set for a classic encounter.
18:59 GMT: The colourful closing ceremony is underway and the packed entertainment has got the packed c crowd on its feet.
18:40 GMT: President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Alassane Ouattara welcomed by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium ahead of AFCON Final
18:30 GMT: The atmosphere in Abidjan is electric as fans pour into the stadium, eagerly anticipating a night of footballing brilliance. Stay with us for live updates as the final draws near.
18:10 GMT: Meanhile in Germany, Borussia Dortmund are backing their player Sebastian Haller to win the title
18:00 GMT: With both teams ready to leave it all on the pitch, excitement reaches fever pitch in Abidjan. Who will emerge victorious? Share your predictions in the comments below!
17:50 GMT: Top players are commenting on the upcoming match. Nwankwo Kanu – former Nigeria captain: "Losing at home in 2000 was not very nice. For us we knew that we wanted it. It is not something good for a footballer to lose a final. From the 90s until 2000, Nigeria dominated not only Africa, but the world had respect for the nation’s football. Every other country was afraid of us because of the talent, the force, flair and system. We as players knew that we were good."
17:40 GMT: Ghana legend and former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele. "It has been a great AFCON. We have seen the excellence and work done by Ivorians which has been wonderful. They’ve done an amazing organisation. They’ve shown that they have prepared fully for this endeavour. After tomorrow’s match, we can confirm the wonderful work done by the Ivorians and CAF."
17:30 GMT: Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to the electrifying showdown between Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire! The stage is set, and the drama awaits.
17:20 GMT: Fomer Cote d'Ivoire captain Didier Drogba: “The African Cup of Nations is the celebration of Africa football. Of course, I want Côte d'Ivoire to win. We are going to fight, we are at home, we have to show that we cannot only host the competition but also put in a good performance.”
17:00 GMT: Did you know? Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire are meeting for the eighth time at the Africa Cup of Nations. Get insights into their past encounters and key stats here.
16:30 GMT: As the clock ticks closer to kick-off, tension mounts in Abidjan. Follow our live play-by-play updates during the match here.
16:00 GMT: Emerse Fae sets his sights on glory: "We want to add a third star to the orange jersey of Cote d'Ivoire." Read more about the Ivorian coach's ambitions here.
15:30 GMT: Jose Peseiro eyes victory in his debut AFCON final: "We are ready to clinch the trophy." Get insights from the Nigerian coach as he prepares his team for the showdown here.
15:00 GMT: Sebastien Haller anticipates a different challenge against Nigeria: "Final will be a different ball game." Discover what the Ivory Coast striker has to say here.
14:40 GMT: Superstar Nigerian musician Burna Boy says the Super Eagles fans must just believe.
14:30 GMT: Ahmed Musa speaks out ahead of the big game: "We are here to win the trophy." Hear from the Nigerian star as he shares his thoughts on the final here.
14:00 GMT: Explore how the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire booked their spot in tonight's final. A tale of resilience and determination awaits. Find out more here.
13:30 GMT: Relive the journey of the Super Eagles to the final. From group stages to knockout rounds, it's been a thrilling ride. Read more here.
13:20 GMT: Get the video of how Nigeria reached this stage of the competition.
13:00 GMT: Get to know the coaches leading their teams into battle tonight. Explore our profiles on Emerse Fae of Cote d'Ivoire and Jose Peseiro of Nigeria.
12:30 GMT: Meet the man in the middle for tonight's final - Dahane Beida. Learn more about the referee set to officiate the biggest game of the tournament here.
12:00 GMT: Dive into the facts and figures behind tonight's final clash between Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire. Get all the statistical insights here.
11:30 GMT: The official poster for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Final has been unveiled! Feast your eyes on the stunning artwork capturing the essence of African football here.
11:10 GMT: The Nigerian say they have a special mission for tonight
11:00 GMT: The excitement is palpable as more than 170 territories prepare to broadcast the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final. Don't miss out! Read about where to watch the match here.
10:30 GMT: Want to know more about the players to watch in tonight's final? Check out our exclusive feature: Final - Players to watch: Cote d'Ivoire and Final - Players to watch: Nigeria.
1010 GMT: It's the moment we've all been waiting for – the AFCON final showdown between Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria which is now just hours away. Join us as we provide real-time updates and analysis from the build-up to what promises to be an electrifying clash in Abidjan.
1000 GMT: Good morning, football fans! It's the day we've all been waiting for. Welcome to the CafOnline.com Live Blog coverage of the highly anticipated TotalEergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final between Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria! Stay tuned as we bring you minute-by-minute updates, team news, and all the excitement leading up to kickoff at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Remember all times are in GMT. Stay tuned for live updates and insights as we build up to the blockbuster clash.