The Super Eagles are expecting to be back in Abuja today after their African Cup of Nations final loss to the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
Two second half goals by the Ivorians dismissed the wishes of Nigerians to savor the Super Eagles fourth AFCON title after captain William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead, but the team seemed to run out of gas in the crucial stages. Speaking of the defeat, which was the first and only loss in the tournament for the team, defender Kenneth Omeruo and coach Jose Peseiro have divergent views.
Omeruo who won the AFCON in 2013, with late coach Stephen Keshi, said Peseiro did not get his tactics right, saying the team got exhausted.
“I think we were defending from the start of the game, and it is a long time to play defensive. One mistake and there is a goal”, said Omeruo.
“Already when you are defending from the start the team is already tired. For me, I feel bad that we did not get the trophy.”
However coach Peseiro said his players lost their nerves.
“Cote d’Ivoire were the main favourites for this tournament; they have very good players, wingers, and very fast wingers. Quality wingers in attack, they are a good team but they were almost out, I don’t know if that situation changed the pressure.
They were fantastic; they didn’t play with pressure, and they didn’t feel nervous, but on the contrary, my players, my team felt more nervous than their opponents.
“We lost many balls; I don’t know why; I don’t think my players were comfortable. From the back, we lose too many balls, and with that, you allow the opponent to create many chances, and they attack and attack.”
