In the aftermath of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro offered insights into his team’s tactical approach against Ivory Coast. Despite taking the lead with William Troost-Ekong’s first-half header, Nigeria ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat as the hosts rallied back to clinch the trophy.
When questioned about his decision not to alter the team’s tactics after securing a one-goal advantage, Peseiro defended the continuity of their strategy.
He emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “When you have a system that you have been using and it has been working, you really don’t want to change it.”
Peseiro acknowledged that he adhered to the established tactics until his team fell behind 2-1, prompting a reconsideration of their approach. He attributed the goals conceded to defensive errors and a temporary decline in performance levels, particularly against the formidable Ivorian side.
“It is true that I kept to this strategy until we were 2-1 down, and then I decided to change it.
“We conceded goals from some defensive errors, and they had a drop in level against the Ivorians.”
