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Afcon Final: Why Ivory Coast Defeated Super Eagles

POSTED ON February 12, 2024 •   Football      BY Samuel O . Adeniyi

Nigeria's dream of lifting their fourth Africa Cup of Nations trophy turned to dust in the sweltering heat of Abidjan.

A determined Ivory Coast side ultimately outplayed and outmuscled the Super Eagles despite Captain Troost-Ekong's powerful first-half header, leading to a dramatic final score of 2-1.

So, what went wrong? Here are a few key factors that contributed to the Eagles' heartbreak:

Tactical Twists and Troubles:

Coach Peseiro, praised for his tactical shift to a 3-4-3, saw his formation creak under pressure in the latter stages.

Perhaps a return to a more familiar back four might have offered better defensive solidity against a rampant Ivorian attack.

Individual Errors:

From shaky defending to lacklustre midfield performances, individual mistakes cost Nigeria dearly.

Bassey's wobbliness, Sanusi's inconsistency, and Aina's off-night were compounded by Iwobi's anonymity and Chukwueze's ineffective showing.

The Host Nation, Ivory Coast's Destiny:

History held its weight heavy on Nigerian shoulders. The daunting fact that the Super Eagles had never beaten a host nation in an AFCON final seemed to loom large.

Ivory Coast, buoyed by their miraculous journey to the final, rode a wave of destiny, culminating in Haller's triumphant strike.

His journey, overcoming cancer to become a national hero, added an emotional layer to the Ivorian victory.

Questionable Officiating:

While VAR had been lauded throughout the tournament, the final's officiating left a bitter taste.

The referee's nervousness translated into debatable decisions, with most 50-50 calls favouring the home side.

Kessie's elbow on Sanusi, a potential red card offence, went unpunished, further fueling Nigerian frustrations.

The loss certainly stings, but it also serves as a learning experience. The Super Eagles must analyze their shortcomings, both individual and tactical, to bounce back stronger.

The quest for a fourth AFCON title continues, and the team's next attempt will be fueled by the lessons learned and the unwavering spirit of Nigerian football.

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