The tightly contested encounter was heading for extra time until Zakaria Tindano struck in the 93rd minute, capitalizing on a costly error from Nigeria's goalkeeper to secure the title for the Baby Elephants.
It was a cruel end for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, who had shown resilience throughout the match but ultimately fell short in the final moments. The defeat marks a heartbreaking finish for a team that had hoped to reclaim regional glory.
Ivory Coast's Perfect Campaign
The Ivorians were dominant from start to finish:
-
✅ Undefeated throughout the tournament
-
✅ Won every match — no draws, no losses
-
✅ Clinched the title with a late winner in the final
Their flawless run culminated in a deserved championship, as they lifted the trophy with pride and celebration in Accra.
While Nigeria will be left to rue a late mistake, the tournament showcased the promise and potential of both teams. For Ivory Coast, it’s a crowning achievement in youth football — a perfect campaign ending with continental silverware.