The Nigeria Super Eagles have expressed disappointment over their defeat at the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations final.
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, on Sunday, won the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations final.
The Ivorians saw off the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a tense 2-1 defeat.
Two strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller were enough to cancel Troost-Ekong’s opener.
Prior to the game, the Super Eagles players and officials were confident that Nigeria would be crowned kings of Africa.
Reacting to their loss in an X tweet on Monday, the Eagles said even though they feel disappointed, they will cherish the silver medal they won.
“Disappointed, yet we make do with the Silver Medal,” the Eagles wrote.
Nigeria initially took the lead in the 18th minute through a header from William Troost-Ekong, but Cote d’Ivoire equalised in the 63rd minute and secured the winning goal in the 87th minute, prompting celebrations among the hosts and their fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Nwabali shared a picture of himself looking disheartened on the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan and I understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night. We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all “