Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro says his team are in a sad state after losing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final to hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Sunday.
Captain Troost-Ekong gave them the lead in the first half but the Elephants fought their way back in the second half courtesy of Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller to lift their third AFCON title, the same number as Nigeria.
Peseiro acknowledged the Ivorians were the better side in the final but was still proud of their overall performance throughout the course of the tournament.
“They were better than us, they managed the pressure better, they did a remarkable job. My team did not play at the same level. My team is sad but for me they did what they could,” the Portuguese tactician said.
“We conceded goals from a few defensive errors, and we dropped the tempo against the Ivorians. But I am proud of the way my players performed in this tournament.”
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The game started with goals and entertainment, ended by Côte d’Ivoire’s gold medal! ????#NGRCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023Final | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024
Nigeria will turn their attention next to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers where they will face South Africa and Benin on June 5 and 8 respectively, with the two games vital in their hopes of booking an automatic spot in the finals in Canada, United States and Mexico.
