Nigerians are delighted that Ivory Coast helped the Super Eagles knock out 'Strong opponent' Senegal at AFCON 2023.
Ivory Coast, the host country, defeated Senegal, the reigning champions, on penalties to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
Ivory Coast's hero off the bench was Franck Kessie, who calmly converted a penalty kick to help the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations overcome Senegal 5-4 in a shootout after the teams drew 1-1 in Monday's last-16 match.
At Stade Charles Konan Banny, Kessie stepped up to side-foot home the winning spot-kick after Moussa Niakhate's mistake had given the Elephants the lead.
Kessie, who had been benched by interim coach Emerse Fae, who had taken over for the fired Jean-Louis Gasset, forced extra time in the 86th minute by calmly taking a penalty kick that canceled out Habib Diallo's early goal.
And even though Mane scored Senegal's last penalty in the shootout, Kessie persevered to cap off an incredible journey of redemption for the Ivory Coast, who only made it past the group stage by lucky breaks elsewhere.
Next up for Ivory Coast is either Burkina Faso or Mali in the quarterfinals.
Nigerians react as Ivory Coast eliminates Senegal from AFCON 23
Nigerians were delighted as the Elephants of Ivory Coast eliminated the Teranga Lions of Senegal.
Senegal won all three group games in style and as defending champions were favorites to retain the AFCON.
Nigeria already defeated Ivory Coast in their group-stage clash and was hoping the host country could eliminate one of the strong opponents on the other side of the draw.
Following Ivory Coast's victory, Nigerians took to social media to s=celebrate Senegal's elimination
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