 In 1819, he was given a post to command before Simón Bolívar's arrival to Venezuela in 1816.Córdova was then sent to the Guayana Region in 1817 and Bolivar later incorporated him in his staff.In the Battle of Ayacucho, Córdova was given command of the first division of the army and because of his distinguished service he earned the nickname "The Lion of Ayacucho".