AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Return to a Heroic Welcome After Losing to Ivory Coast in the Final

• The Nigerian national team returned home after finishing second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• Jose Peseiro's side missed the chance to win the competition after losing to Ivory Coast in the final
• The Super Eagles squad were received by dignitaries and fans at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja

The Super Eagles squad has returned to Nigeria after a successful outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast.

Jose Peseiro's team finished second in the competition after losing 2-1 against the host nation in the final.

Nigeria initially took the lead in the final through William Troost-Ekong's first-half goal, but second-half goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller gave the Elephants the deserved win over the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles return to Nigeria after AFCON

The Super Eagles squad was received by the permanent secretary at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, and the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, leading the Nigerian team.

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In a video shared on social media, the players and the technical staff were seen dressed in a green native attire coupled with caps as they arrived in the early hours of Tuesday morning (February 13).

The dignitaries and fans at the airport celebrated the team as they descended from the aeroplane, with the players later taking pictures with some of the fans.

Fans react as Super Eagles return home

In returning to Nigeria, the Super Eagles team sparked reactions from fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

@yurtechguy said:

"Welcome home, boys. This is also a well deserved award to our dear captain."

@datozubuluboi remarked:

"They deserve a heroic welcome; if we could celebrate corrupt politicians, we need to give them maximum celebrations for making the country proud."

@Donmekusy2j commented:

"Welcome home, guys. You guys gave your best, and we are super proud."

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@VAwhebi added:

"Waooo we love you guys so much if our politicians try like this, Nigerians, we will not be where we are; things will be great."

@zackworldwide_ also said:

"The Super Eagles really made me happy this tournament so proud of you guys. We go again next year."

Musa deflects question after AFCON final loss

Sports Brief earlier reported on Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, deflecting a question about what went wrong for Nigeria in the final against Ivory Coast.

The former Leicester City forward stated that he was not the coach and said questions about the national team's last-round loss be directed to the manager.