The script flipped in Rabat. Ivory Coast walked onto the pitch as underdogs - five years since their last WAFCON appearance, facing the defending champions Nigeria. They walked off as the team everyone’s talking about. A 2-1 win on July 25 wasn’t just a result; it was a statement. VIDEO: Ivory Coast turns its long-awaited return into a night that completely shakes up the WAFCON - and the highlights are already burning up social media.
The Shock in Rabat: How Les Éléphantes Stunned the Reigning Champions
A 5-Year Absence Ends in Fireworks
Ivory Coast’s first WAFCON match since 2021 was never supposed to go this way. Yet by the 18th minute, Fofana had already silenced the Nigerian fans. A slick move down the left, a cut inside, and a finish that left Nnadozie with no chance. The bench erupted. The crowd - heavily pro-Nigeria - went quiet. This wasn’t a fluke. This was a team playing with the fury of a nation that had waited half a decade for this moment.
Ajibade’s Penalty Not Enough
Nigeria fought back. They threw bodies forward, dominated possession (62% to 38%), and finally got their breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Ajibade converted a spot kick. But Guehai’s 64th-minute strike - a composed finish after a lightning counter - held firm. Final score: Ivory Coast 2-1 Nigeria. The Super Falcons’ late pressure (5 shots on target to Ivory Coast’s 4) couldn’t crack a disciplined defensive block that committed only 8 fouls all night.
The Stats That Tell the Story
Nigeria dominated the ball but couldn’t dominate the scoreline. The 62% possession meant nothing when Ivory Coast’s 38% produced the three most crucial touches of the match. With only 12 fouls from Nigeria and 8 from Ivory Coast, the game was scrappy but controlled. The real stat: Points on the board. Ivory Coast 3, Nigeria 0. VIDEO: Ivory Coast turns its long-awaited return into a night that completely shakes up the WAFCON - watch the full match replay on the CAF YouTube channel.
Tactical Masterclass & Player Spotlight: Rosemonde Kpehi Steals the Show
Kpehi’s Midfield Engine
Player of the Match. It’s a label that gets thrown around, but Rosemonde Kpehi earned every syllable. She didn’t just break up play; she dictated its flow. Her defensive work rate was relentless - intercepting passes, closing down angles, and then, in the 64th minute, providing the assist for Guehai’s winner. She covered every blade of grass in Rabat, and when Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, she was the one dropping deep to clean up danger. This was a midfield performance for the ages.
Why the 4-4-2 Worked
Coach Touré’s tactical plan was simple on paper, brutal in execution. Line up in a compact 4-4-2, soak up pressure, and hit on the counter. The 38% possession wasn’t defensive; it was deliberate. Nigeria’s star attackers - Ajibade, Oshoala, Kanu - never found rhythm. Every time they thought they had space, Kpehi or a fullback closed it down. The two banks of four refused to break. And when the ball turned over, Ivory Coast moved with surgical speed. It was ugly football made beautiful by its effectiveness.
The Video Everyone’s Sharing
Highlights are now live on SuperSport (DStv channel 203) - and they’re racking up views. The clip of Kpehi’s assist, Fofana’s opener, the bench celebrations. It’s not just a win; it’s a visual statement of intent. VIDEO: Ivory Coast turns its long-awaited return into a night that completely shakes up the WAFCON - and the football world is paying attention.
Group B Shaken Up - What Next for Ivory Coast and Nigeria?
The Standings Reality Check
Group B is wide open - and suddenly terrifying for the defending champions. Ivory Coast (3 pts) sit joint top with Morocco (3 pts) after the hosts dispatched Uganda. Nigeria (0 pts) and Uganda (0 pts) are already under pressure. The Super Falcons haven’t missed the semi-finals since 2018. Now they’re staring at group-stage elimination. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, control their own destiny.
July 29 - The Top-of-the-Table Clash vs. Morocco
Next up: Ivory Coast vs. Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (21:00 local). Betting odds heavily favour Morocco (1.80), but Ivory Coast (4.50) now have belief and momentum. A draw (3.40) would keep them in strong position. But after the Nigeria shock, no one’s writing off Les Éléphantes. For more context on the team’s rise, read our WAFCON Group B preview and breakdown of Ivory Coast’s squad depth.
