In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Super Eagles, revealed why he opted to maintain the team’s formation despite facing Ivory Coast’s formidable challenge. The decision not to alter the tactics ultimately led to a 2-1 defeat for the Nigerian team, with the opponents securing the championship title.
Peseiro emphasized that sticking to the established system, which had previously yielded positive results, was his primary focus. He cited the reluctance to disrupt an effective strategy as the rationale behind retaining the formation even after securing an initial 1-0 lead. However, he acknowledged that eventual defensive lapses and a decline in the team’s performance prompted a belated alteration in tactics when Ivory Coast gained a 2-1 advantage.
The coach’s post-match analysis provided insight into the team’s approach and the factors that influenced his tactical decisions during the critical encounter.
