Coach Jose Peseiro of the Nigerian national football team has made a candid admission following their disappointing loss to Côte d'Ivoire in the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite opening the scoring, the Super Eagles ultimately fell short, conceding two goals and settling for a silver medal.
Peseiro, reflecting on the match, conceded that the tactical approach he employed throughout the tournament did not yield the desired results in the crucial encounter against Côte d'Ivoire. "When you have a system that you use and it works, you don’t want to change it," he stated. "It’s true that I kept this strategy until we were 2-1 down and then I decided to change."
The 62-year-old coach lamented the defensive errors that led to the Ivorian goals, acknowledging that his team failed to maintain their level of performance against their formidable opponents. "It’s our worst match until now," Peseiro remarked. "Cote d’Ivoire played very well and they deserved to win."
Despite the disappointment, Peseiro expressed pride in his players' overall performance throughout the tournament, emphasizing their dedication and effort. However, he admitted that adjustments were needed, particularly in response to the pressure imposed by the Ivorian side.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles contingent returned to Abuja following their campaign in Côte d'Ivoire. Clad in green native attire, the team, led by Peseiro, departed from their hotel in Abidjan and arrived at the airport amidst a mix of appreciation and disappointment from fans.
While the loss in the final was undoubtedly disheartening, Nigerians gathered at the Pullman Hotel in Abidjan to express their support and gratitude to the players before their departure. Fans lined the path, requesting pictures and autographs, a testament to the nation's unwavering enthusiasm for their football team.
As the Super Eagles regroup and reflect on their performance, attention now turns to the lessons learned from this experience and the adjustments that will be made as they prepare for future competitions.
