Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has acknowledged that the Elephants of Ivory Coast were the superior side following his team’s loss in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
In the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, hosts Ivory Coast overcame a strong deficit to defeat Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria 2-1.
Striker Sebastien Haller scored a thrilling late winner to cap off one of the most incredible major tournament turnarounds as Ivory Coast won their third continental championship.
Eagles boss Peseiro, who guided Nigeria to its first final since 2013, acknowledged that the hosts were superior that evening in his remarks after the game.
He said, “Ivory Coast were better than us today. I am sad, and my team is sad, but for me, they did the maximum, each one. Sometimes you want to do something, but you cannot do it.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed apologies to Nigerian supporters following the team’s defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Nigeria lost to host Ivory Coast in a thrilling final on Sunday.
The Eagles led for most of the game but later surrendered their one-goal lead to hosts Ivory Coast.
Following the game, Nwabali said the squad would accept full responsibility for the loss, and he described the loss as a “frustrating end.” He, however, appreciated the country for its support during the competition.
He wrote on his Instagram handle, “A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still am, and I understand how it feels to give you a disappointing night.”
“We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all”.
