AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro Explains Why Super Eagles Lost the Final to Ivory Coast

• Jose Peseiro has lauded the Super Eagles despite their AFCON final loss
• Nigeria were beaten 2-1 in the final by hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday
• The Super Eagles were bidding to win the tournament for the fourth time

Super Eagles gaffer, Jose Peseiro, has hailed his players for their gallant efforts despite losing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final to Ivory Coast.

The Elephants triumphed over the Super Eagles 2-1 on Sunday night as Franck Kessie and Sebastian Haller cancelled out William Troost-Ekong's opener.

Speaking after the defeat, Peseiro reckoned that the Super Eagles were not at their best against Ivory Coast and that the hosts deserved to win the final, Complete Sports reports.

“The performance on individual and collective level was not good enough for us.

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“Cote d’Ivoire played better than us. They played really well. I wanted to win this trophy, my players wanted to the trophy as well. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t do it."

Nigeria's defeat to Ivory Coast means the Super Eagles have now lost five of the eight final appearances at the AFCON, only winning in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

Nwabali tenders apology to Nigerians

Meanwhile, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has tendered an apology to Nigerians following the Super Eagles' loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet reports.

The 27-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper appreciated Nigerian fans for their support throughout the tournament while apologising for how the adventure ended on a sad note for the three-time AFCON champions.

Nigeria has won the AFCON three times. However, the West African heavyweights have already lost five finals, including 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, and 2023.

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Musa breaks silence after AFCON defeat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has finally broken his silence on the defeat by Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 32-year-old forward, who did not play a single minute for Nigeria at the tournament, disclosed that he was filled with immense pride for the Super Eagles despite the fact that they lost the final.

Musa noted that the Nigerian team stood strong, displaying resilience and determination that resonated with fans across the nation.