Coaching Crew To Blame For Super Eagles AFCON Final Defeat —Taribo

Legendary Nigeria defender, Taribo West, has blamed Jose Peseiro-led coaching crew for the Super Eagles’ loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the AFCON 2023 final.

The Eagles hopes of a fourth AFCON title was dashed following a 2-1 loss to the Ivorians.

It was a performance to forget for the Eagles as they were second best throughout Sunday’s tie.

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Despite taking the lead through William Troost-Ekong, the hosts fought back thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

Commenting on why the Eagles struggled against the hosts Taribo, said on Brila FM:“I hold the bench responsible for the loss to Côte d’Ivoire. In 1990 Nigeria lost 5-1 to Algeria in the opening game but in the final it was a different ball game.

“Though the Algerians won 1-0 in the final they realised it was a different Nigerian team to the one they faced earlier in the competition.

“I remember when we faced Brazil at the Olympics they beat us in the group stage but when we met again in the semi-final, even though they were 3-1 up we were still able to comeback. They knew they were up against another Nigerian side.

“For me, the coaching crew should have come up with another strategy after meeting Côte d’Ivoire again.”