Winning the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is challenging and requires a combination of strategic planning, talent management, and effective teamwork. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations turned out to be one of the most captivating and entertaining editions in recent memory.
Held in Ivory Coast in January and February 2024, the finals witnessed some early surprises and an incredible performance by the host nation. Despite Ivory Coast losing two out of three group-stage games, including a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, they managed to scrape into the knockout phase. This led to the dismissal of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset. Assistant Emerse Fae took charge as interim manager and remarkably guided the team to the final.
In the final, Ivory Coast faced Nigeria, who had beaten them 1-0 in the group stage. Despite Ivory Coast’s struggles in the group stage, they emerged victorious in the final, defeating Nigeria 2-1 on February 10, 2024. William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a first-half lead, but Franck Kessie equalized just after the hour mark. Sebastien Haller, who had taken a break from football due to a cancer diagnosis in 2022, scored the winning goal with nine minutes left in normal time.
This victory marked Ivory Coast’s third Africa Cup of Nations title and their first since 2015. They became the first host nation to win the championship since Egypt in 2006. Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt remain the only nations to have won the tournament more times.
Speaking of tournament history, Egypt stands out as the most dominant nation in the Africa Cup of Nations, winning seven titles, including the inaugural competition in 1957. Six other nations have won the trophy more than once, resulting in a total of 15 winners throughout the tournament’s history.
The 1994 Super Eagles started building in 1990, and their success was a result of hard work and team building over the years. The team worked together to achieve common goals, starting from the 1990 Nations Cup. The team had a mix of players coming in and out during preparations, but everyone was committed to putting in their best. Team spirit and a willingness to sacrifice for the collective goal were crucial. Unity, dedication, and determination were key elements.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro addressed the factors contributing to Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Peseiro cited nervousness among his players, contrasting it with the Ivory Coast team, which played without pressure. He acknowledged the opponents’ quality and speed but highlighted his team’s discomfort, leading to a high number of lost balls and a 61% to 39% possession advantage for the Elephants. Despite the shortcomings, Peseiro praised his players for their efforts in reaching the final and giving their best in the tournament.
The current Super Eagles team should use setbacks, such as defeat in the just concluded matches as learning opportunities. Assessing and correcting mistakes ahead of the next AFCON is crucial for improvement.
