AFCON Final: Ivory Coast Coach Discloses Halftime Message to Players That Helped Seal Win vs Nigeria

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations climaxed with a clash between Nigeria and Ivory Coast
• Les Elephants recorded a crucial comeback victory against the odds vs the Super Eagles
• Ivory Coast manager has disclosed his halftime team talk following the victory against Nigeria

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations came to an exhilarating close with a captivating final between the hosts, Ivory Coast, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

This gripping football spectacle more than lived up to its lofty expectations, treating fans to goals in both halves.

Nigeria's captain, Williams Troost-Ekong, propelled the Super Eagles into an early lead in the first half. However, the Ivorian team staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, courtesy of goals from midfielder, Franck Kessie, and forward, Sebastien Haller.

For a significant portion of the second half, it seemed the Ivorians had firm control over the game, prompting many to wonder about the motivational words spoken in the team's dressing room that fuelled such a remarkable display.

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Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the intense match, manager, Emerse Fae, has revealed the words he said to his players during the half-time break.

Ivory Coast manager's half-time words

The 40-year-old manager, who took to the media visibly elated about his side’s victory against the Nigerian, stated what he told his players at half-time.

As quoted by Naija Footballers, he stressed:

“We noticed the Nigerian players were tired in the first half. They were not at their usual best. I told my players during the half-time that we must improve the intensity of our game, and it worked out well for us.”

The words of the former OGC Nice midfielder mirrored the complaints of many Nigerians who have stressed the team played without intensity against the Ivorians.

Les Elephant, who were largely underwhelming through the tournament, would hold on to their lead for the remainder of the fixture to clinch the AFCON trophy. This victory marked the Ivorians' third triumph at the AFCON.

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Super Eagles legend speaks on coach Peseiro

Sports Brief in another report stated that former Super Eagles forward, Peter Ijeh, spoke about Nigeria's coach, Peseiro, following the AFCON defeat against Ivory Coast.

The 46-year-old commented on the Super Eagles' performance at the Cup of Nations and also assessed the future of the Portuguese coach with the national team.