AFCON 2023: Troost Ekong Identifies Nigeria’s Weakness in Final Defeat Against Ivory Coast

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations concluded with a final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast
• The Super Eagles were defeated courtesy of a second-half resurgence by the Ivorians
• Defender, William Troost-Ekong, has identified Nigeria’s weakness against Les Elephants

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concluded with an exhilarating final match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and the host nation, Ivory Coast.

This thrilling encounter which had spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the 90 minutes, exceeded the lofty expectations set for it.

Despite the Super Eagles being favourites to win, second-half goals from midfielder, Franck Kessie, and striker, Sebastien Haller, turned the tide, clinching the title for Ivory Coast.

Nonetheless, in the aftermath of the showpiece, Nigeria’s captain on the night, William Troost-Ekong, has identified a weakness of Jose Pesiro’s team, which was exploited by the Les Elephants in the final.

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Football

Troost-Ekong on Nigeria’s weakness

In a chat with CNN World Sport, the 30-year-old defender stressed the weakness of the Super Eagles in the final against Ivory Coast.

The Paok Thessaloniki star emphasised that the manager's inability to make strategic changes when needed was a key factor in Nigeria's defeat.

Despite this, the former Watford star expressed full support for the coach, commending him for revitalising the Super Eagles after a challenging period.

The former Udinese defender noted that coach Peseiro had instilled a distinct playing style in the team during the AFCON. However, this defensive strength, which had been a pillar in earlier games, became a weakness in the final.

Troost-Ekong’s words resonate with those of many analysts who have examined the cause of Nigeria's loss to Ivory Coast in the final.

The Super Eagles, however, are eager to put this defeat behind them as they aim to clinch the elusive fourth AFCON title at the 2025 edition of the tournament in Morocco.

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Super Eagles to get new additions

Sports Brief in another report stated that the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Peseiro, is set to welcome new additions to the national team setup.

The report highlights Bayer Leverkusen star, Nathan Tella, and four other players, including a new goalkeeper, could be added to the team list for the international friendly fixture against Argentina.