Jose Peseiro Criticizes Super Eagles’ Performance in AFCON Final Loss

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has lamented his team’s lackluster performance during Sunday’s AFCON final against Cote d’Ivoire.

Despite initially taking the lead in the game, Peseiro’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to the hosts.

Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong scored the opening goal with a header from a corner-kick in the 37th minute.

However, the three time African Champions collapsed with less than 30 minutes to play as Cote d’Ivoire staged a comeback, securing victory with goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

Peseiro voiced disappointment, suggesting that his players failed to deliver when it mattered most, unable to replicate their previous performances throughout the competition.

“My players did their best in this tournament, Cote d’Ivoire played better than us in this game. We didn’t show our level,” Peseiro said during his interaction with the media after the game.

“The performance on individual and collective level was not good enough for us.

“Cote d’Ivoire played better than us. They played really well. I wanted to win this trophy, my players wanted the trophy as well. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t do it.

“I’m sad, my players are sad too. The performance was not good enough but I can’t fault them. They gave their best in this tournament.

“These things happen in football. Sometimes things don’t go your way.”