Omeruo declares: Nigeria played 'too deep' and lacked creativity against Ivory Coast

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo (Photo Credit: 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆/X)

Omeruo declares: Nigeria played 'too deep' and lacked creativity against Ivory Coast

Izuchukwu Akawor 16:26 - 12.02.2024

Kenneth Omeruo was not a fan of Nigeria's defensive tactics against Ivory Coast and the barren attack in the AFCON 2023 final.

Former AFCON winner defender Kenneth Omeruo has admitted that the Super Eagles have only themselves to blame after losing to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Cote d’Ivoire defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in the final on Sunday and Omeruo has blamed Jose Peseiro’s tactics for the painful loss. 

Omeruo on Nigeria

The Kasimpasa star spoke to the media moments after the Elephants ended Nigeria’s dream of a fourth African title.

Speaking after the defeat, a dejected but brutally honest Omeruo stated that the Eagles played too deeply while dealing with a barren attack against the host nation.  

Super Eagles master penalty taker, Kenneth Omeruo on duty. (Photo Credit: Omeruo/X)

"I don't know,” Omeruo said according to a video posted on Instagram after the game. 

“I think it wasn’t our day. We couldn’t create a lot of chances and we played too deep."

Nigerian players at the Afcon final against Ivory Coast || Image credit: Imago

The 2013 AFCON winner congratulated Ivory Coast but felt Nigeria's shortcomings proved decisive before he revealed the mood in the Nigerian camp was one of deep disappointment.

"They (Super Eagles players) are sad, obviously,” he added. “It’s heartbreaking, they have worked hard and deserved to win this trophy but we’ve lost it.”

Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro wanted more goals from his team but set them up too deep. (Photo Credit: Modo Victor/X)

Looking ahead, the Turkey-based player stated: "For me, it’s back to my club, train and get ready for Friday’s game."

Omeruo and Kasimpasa will host Fatih Karagumruk in a Super Lig encounter on Friday.