Youngster Simon Adingra of Côte d'Ivoire fondly recalls the exhilarating victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Nigeria as a highlight of his career.
The 22-year-old played a pivotal role, providing crucial assists for both goals, earning him the prestigious TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Adingra's dazzling performance on the flanks, characterized by his mesmerizing dribbles, penetrating runs, and precise crosses, proved too much for the Nigerian defense to handle throughout the match.
In reflecting on the triumph, Adingra emphasized the collective effort of his teammates in securing their nation's third AFCON title.
"We achieved this together, and being crowned champions of Africa feels surreal," remarked the Brighton & Hove Albion forward.
"It's truly one of the most remarkable moments of my life, and it's all thanks to the dedication and unity within our team," he added.
Although William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in the first half, second-half goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller propelled Côte d'Ivoire to a historic victory on home soil.