AFCON 2023: Nwabali Speaks After Conceding Two Goals Against Ivory Coast in Final

• The Elephants of Ivory Coast claimed the AFCON title after beating the Super Eagles in the final
• Nigeria goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, had a decent tournament but conceded two crucial goals
• Nwabali has reacted with a special message to fans who supported the team during the tourney

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has apologised to Nigerians after Ivory Coast clinched the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title at their expense.

It was fight-to-the-finish at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, Abidjan, as both countries battled in the last round of the continental showpiece.

After his impressive performances at the tournament, there was little the Chippa United goalkeeper could do to prevent two goals from Les Elephants.

Nigeria went ahead in the first half courtesy of a fine header from William Troost-Ekong, but the hosts came out blazing in the second half, firing on all cylinders.

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Franck Kessie headed home the equaliser in the 62nd minute, with Sebastien Haller scoring in the 81st minute to shatter the Super Eagles' hopes of a fourth AFCON title.

Moments after the game, Nwabali thanked the Nigerian fans for their support all through the tournament, admitting it was a disappointing night for the team.

In a post on Instagram, he said:

"A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan, and I understand how it feels giving, you a disappointing night. We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all."

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Sports Brief also reported that Nigerian legend, Segun Odegbami, hit out at Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, after Nigeria conceded the 2023 AFCON title to Ivory Coast.

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Despite going ahead in the first half of the final courtesy of a header by defender and captain, Troost-Ekong, the Ivorians turned the game around in the second half.

Kessie restored parity for the hosts in the 62nd minute, before Haller netted what turned out to be the winner in the 82nd minute, with the hosts claiming the game 2-1.