Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) students set a record for the largest viewing of a football match ever in Nigeria with a record of over 8000 students on the 11th of February 2024.
They came out in their numbers to watch the Super Eagles play in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations against the hosts of Cote D’Ivoire but ended in a disappointing result for the fans.
A packed-to-the-rafters Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was the perfect setting for the Elephants to add a third African title in front of their loyal supporters who rallied them to the comeback victory.
A first-half goal by William Ekong looked to set up the Super Eagles for a fourth title before a leveler by Franck Kessie and a late strike by dangerman, Sebastian Haller secured Africa’s most coveted title for Cote d’Ivoire.
Haller proved the hero, scoring the decisive goal as the Elephants completed a sensational comeback.
The hosts looked doomed after William Troost-Ekong’s first-half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.
But Frank Kessie leveled right after the break before Haller, who recovered from cancer last year, sparked ecstatic scenes by firing the late winner.
With the backing of the crowd, it came as no surprise for the hosts to take control of the game from the opening whistle, while Nigeria opted for the counter.
Eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire reigns again as kings of Africa.
