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In an overall disappointing performance by the Super Eagles, these players stood out as the least impressive in the Nigerian team during the AFCON 2023 final against Ivory Coast
Nigeria's journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 final was a testament to their talent and determination, but the last hurdle proved too high.
In a match where the Super Eagles were considered favorites, they were outplayed by Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 in a game that saw some of Nigeria's key players underperform. Here's a look at the seven players who failed to rise to the occasion in the decisive match.
Frank Onyeka
The Brentford midfielder, known for his dynamism and ability to control the tempo of the game, was notably absent in his influence against the Ivorians. Outdone by the opposition's midfield, Onyeka struggled to make his presence felt, leaving Nigeria's midfield battle wanting.
Alex Iwobi
Fulham's Iwobi, who had shown promise in earlier matches, found the final a challenging encounter. His performance against Ivory Coast was even worse than the disappointing display against South Africa, with the Ivorian midfield overshadowing him and Onyeka.
Ademola Lookman
Heading into the final as Nigeria's top scorer at AFCON 2023, much was expected from Lookman. However, the final saw him tightly marked and neutralized by the Ivory Coast defense. Lookman's inability to threaten the goal or fire a shot on target throughout his time on the pitch was a significant blow to Nigeria's attacking plans.
Zaidu Sanusi
Sanusi, the Porto fullback, had not set high expectations throughout the tournament but was still a disappointment in the final. Defensively shaky and offensively ineffective, he missed one of the few chances the Super Eagles managed to create, failing to make a positive impact.
Ola Aina
Aina's performance in the final will be one he'll want to forget quickly. The Nottingham Forest defender was outmaneuvered by Simon Adingra, contributing to the winning goal for Ivory Coast. With only one successful tackle to his name and being dribbled past multiple times, Aina's defensive woes were evident.
Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze, the AC Milan forward, had an underwhelming 56 minutes on the pitch. With only four passes completed and a lack of success in dribbles and duels, he was dispossessed seven times. His inability to impact the game questioned the decision to include him in the starting lineup.
Moses Simon
Brought on as Nigeria’s first substitute to change the game's dynamics, Simon fell short of expectations. Replacing Chukwueze, Simon was unable to make the desired impact, blending into an overall performance that lacked the spark the Super Eagles desperately needed.
The final against Ivory Coast was a tough lesson for Nigeria, showcasing that football can be unforgiving and highlighting the importance of key players performing in crucial moments. As the Super Eagles reflect on their AFCON 2023 campaign, the performance of these players in the final will surely be an area for introspection and growth.
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