José Peseiro, the head coach of Nigeria, expressed doubts about his team’s performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matchup with Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles lost 2-1 in the 90 minutes played in Abidjan, allowing a first-half lead to slip.
The Super Eagles’ first goal came from William Troost-Ekong, and the host country’s second-half goals came from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.
The Elephants won their third AFCON championship and Nigeria was denied a fourth. Speaking after the match, Peseiro claimed that his team’s performance against the home team was not typical of them.
“Our team had a fantastic tournament but today Cote d’Ivoire were better,” he said.
“They had an amazing game. We displayed no signs of frailty. Not to the same individual performance level as we’ve had thus far. Well done; Cote d’Ivoire was excellent.
“I’d like to congratulate my players on their fantastic performance thus far. To win the trophy for Nigerians was their aim.
After losing the AFCON trophy the year before (2013), Nigeria was hoping to win it in Abidjan.
