Ivory Coast Beat Nigeria 3-2 to Win African Solidarity Cup in Israel

Posted : 19 October 2026

Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 3-2 to win the African National Teams Solidarity Tournament in Israel following a closely contested final at Beit Danny Pitch in Tel Aviv on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

The victory secured the trophy for the Ivorian side after a month-long competition designed to bring African communities in Israel together through football. Nigeria finished as runners-up after falling short in the final despite reaching the decisive match.

The tournament featured eight national teams representing Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Cameroon and Tanzania. The teams were divided into two groups before progressing through the competition's knockout stages.

Ivory Coast entered the final in impressive form after defeating Sudan 5-1 in the semi-finals. The result ended Sudan's run in the tournament, although the team had attracted considerable support from spectators in Tel Aviv.

Sudan emerged as one of the competition's crowd favourites, drawing hundreds of fans to matches in Hatikva, a neighbourhood with a significant African population. Supporters gathered around the pitch fences to follow the team's progress.

Nigeria also secured a place in the final after defeating Kenya in the semi-finals. The result set up an all-West African contest between the Super Eagles' representatives and the Ivorians.

In the final, Ivory Coast scored three goals to overcome Nigeria's two. The narrow victory confirmed their status as champions of the tournament and capped a successful campaign for the team.

The competition was organised by Sudanese asylum seekers under the leadership of Mohanad Abdelmoneim, who established Sudan's national team in Israel. His initiative helped inspire the formation of other African national teams and created opportunities for players from different backgrounds to compete.

Jewish philanthropist Joey Low supported the tournament. Pastor Alberts Wanga, founder of Africa Blesses Israel, also highlighted its role in connecting African communities with one another and their host country.

Nigeria's Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Ufochukwu, welcomed the initiative and stressed football's ability to strengthen relationships among people living abroad.

She explained that the sport remains an important part of Nigerian culture and identity. She also noted that competitions involving African communities can promote friendship, peaceful coexistence and a shared sense of belonging.

Ufochukwu commended the organisers for bringing the participating nations together and expressed support for the tournament's continuation in future years.

The event demonstrated how grassroots football can create connections beyond the pitch, providing African nationals living in Israel with a platform to celebrate their shared interests and build stronger community relationships.

Ivory Coast Beat Nigeria 3-2 to Win African Solidarity Cup in Israel

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