Peseiro acknowledged that his Super Eagles were more nervous in the final compared to the Elephants, who played without pressure.
In his post-match press conference, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro addressed various factors contributing to the 2-1 defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Despite solid performances leading up to the final at Stade Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, the Super Eagles fell short of expectations.
Many anticipated a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria, but the hosts staged a comeback from a goal down, securing a 2-1 victory and claiming their third AFCON title after previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
In a reflection on the disappointing final, Peseiro informed reporters in Ebimpe that, among other factors, the Super Eagles were nervous during the match.
Peseiro acknowledged Cote d’Ivoire as the main favorites for the tournament, praising their quality players and fast wingers. He speculated on whether the pressure changed for them after almost being eliminated. Peseiro highlighted Cote d’Ivoire’s fantastic performance, emphasizing that they played without pressure and nerves, unlike his own team, the Super Eagles, who he noted felt more nervous than their opponents in the final.
Peseiro also admitted the Super Eagles lost too many balls, which was evident in the final tally of 61 per cent to 39 per cent ball possession in favour of the Elephants.
“We lose many balls; I don’t know why; I don’t think my players were comfortable today. From the back, we lose too many balls, and with that, you allow the opponent to create many chances, and they attack and attack.”
Despite the shortfalls highlighted, Peseiro insists his players deserve to be praised for how far they came and how they gave their best shot at winning the 2023 AFCON tournament.
