By Akinwale Kasali
Millions of Nigerians are devastated following an abysmal performance by the Super Eagles in the final of the African Cup of Nations championship. The team lost to host, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.
The host Country dominated the game all through the match, dictating the pace and creating good scoring chances.
The Super Eagles took the lead courtesy of a header from Captain, William Troost Ekong.
At the beginning of the second half, the host continued where they started from, shooting from all cylinders, and posing threats from the wings, forcing Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali to make several saves.
The breakthrough however came for the host through Frank Kessie who nodded in for the deserved equalizer from a Simon Adingra cross.
The host never rested on their oars as they pushed for the second goal, and got it courtesy of Sebastian Haller.
The Super Eagles had just one shot on goal all through the entire match, making it their poorest outing at the AFCON 2023 tournament.
As expected, Coach Jose Peseiro started the game with his usual first eleven, with only Samuel Chukwueze coming in for Moses Simon.
Nigerians were left disappointed with the outcome of the match, as tears flowed freely on the faces of football fans and enthusiast, who are yet to come to terms with the loss.
William Troost Ekong was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, while Equatorial Guinea player, Emilio Nsue won the Golden Boot, and a South Africa Goalkeeper, Romwen Williams was the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
