2023 AFCON: We were not at our best against Ivory Coast - Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro

Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro, expressed disappointment over his team's performance in their match against Cote d'Ivoire during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Despite initially taking the lead with a goal from William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles couldn't maintain their advantage and ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat in Abidjan, with Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller scoring for the host nation.

This loss dashed Nigeria's hopes of clinching their fourth AFCON title, while Cote d'Ivoire secured their third.

Reflecting on the match, Peseiro admitted that his team fell short of their usual standards against the hosts.

"Our team had been performing superbly throughout the tournament, but today Cote d'Ivoire outplayed us," he remarked.

"They put in a very strong performance, and we couldn't match our usual level of individual quality. Congratulations to Cote d'Ivoire for their victory."

Peseiro also commended his players for their efforts leading up to the final, stating, "I congratulate my players for their outstanding performances until today. They were determined to bring the trophy home for Nigerians."

Nigeria's last AFCON triumph was in 2013, and they had been aiming to reclaim the title in Abidjan.

Aside from the silver medal received for finishing second, Nigeria will also pocket $4 million as prize money with Ivory Coast taking home $7 million.