Out-fought and outclassed - 3 reasons Nigeria lost to Cote d'Ivoire at AFCON 2023 final

Nigeria’s dreams of AFCON glory were dashed in a thrilling showdown against Ivory Coast, leaving Nigerians reeling in agony. 

Despite entering the match with high hopes and belief, the Super Eagles failed to soar and faltered in the face of the determined hosts, the Elephants.

Here are three reasons why Jose Peseiro’s Eagles succumbed to a heartbreaking loss on Sunday night.

Nigeria's midfield two Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi qualified the Eagles to the final from the group stage but were overrun by Ivory Coast's midfield four. 

The Ivorians dominated possession and controlled the tempo with their extra numbers in the engine room, with Stanley Nwabali the busier of the goalkeepers. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles struggled to gain a foothold and lacked outlets to retain the ball.

After an energy-sapping run to the final, including that extra time against South Africa in the semifinal, Nigeria looked leggy and failed to match Ivory Coast's intensity. 

They sat too deep in  the back five deployed by Peseiro and reacted to events rather than taking the initiative. 

The Super Eagles lacked their vibrancy and proactiveness, with fatigue perhaps diminishing their work rate of not just individuals but the unit.

The Elephants showed more determination and commitment to win the trophy on home soil. 

Their aggressiveness in addition to a sup-par officiating hurried Nigeria into mistakes. 

Despite going behind against the run of play after William Troost-Ekong’s thunderous opener, Emerse Fae’s Elephants fought relentlessly to overturn the deficit. 

Ivory Coast's hunger to lift the AFCON trophy was evident as they refused to settle for second best on the day.