Ivory Coast Manager Explains Why His Team Lost Crucial AFCON Tie to Nigeria

• Ivory Coast faced off against Nigeria in a crucial AFCON Group A fixture
• A solitary goal from Troost-Ekong was enough to surpass Les Elephants
• Manager, Jean-Louis Gasset has explained his reason for his side’s loss

Ivory Coast's quest for a third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, and a first on their home turf, suffered a significant setback this week.

The 2015 champions suffered defeat against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a crucial group stage tie, which could impact both teams' trajectory at the tournament.

This loss not only caused Ivory Coast to relinquish their position as Group A leaders, but also put their chances of advancing to the last 16 in jeopardy.

Supporters and stakeholders of the Ivorian national team have responded to the defeat with widespread scepticism and criticism.

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Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the setback, coach Jean-Louis Gasset has provided an explanation for his team's defeat against their West African counterparts.

Ivory Coast manager on AFCON defeat

In the aftermath of the disappointing defeat, the 70-year-old French tactician addressed the media, via Own Goal Nigeria, attempting to explain his team's loss.

"The match was highly physical. Nigeria opted for a five-man defence to capitalise on counter-attacks, particularly with their standout striker.

"It was a tightly contested game, and we struggled to match up physically. The presence of Nigeria's player, [Victor Osimhen], played a significant role in our loss," he stated during the post-match conference.

The words expressed by the former Bordeaux manager echo the sentiments of many coaches who have faced the challenge posed by the African Footballer of the Year.

According to data from Whoscored, Osimhen found the back of the net 31 times in 39 appearances for Napoli throughout 2023.

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With the painful defeat behind them, Ivory Coast will now redirect their focus towards securing a crucial victory against table-topping Equatorial Guinea.

Ivory Coast manager taunts Nigeria

Sports Brief also previously reported on Ivory Coast manager, Gasset aiming a subtle dig at Nigeria's Super Eagles.

Ahead of his side’s AFCON opening clash against Guinea Bissau, he was asked what he knows about his opponents.

However, the Ivory Coast manager took an inadvertent swipe at Jose Peseiro’s team in responding to that question.