AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s defensive approach made things difficult for us – Gasset

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AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s defensive approach made things difficult for us – Gasset

Cote d’Ivoire head coach, Jean -Louis Gasset says Nigeria’s ultra defensive approach made life difficult for his side in their Group A clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Thursday.

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro opted for a 3-4-3 formation which stifled the hosts’ attacking threat.

The Elephants created two scoring chances in the first half but were clearly outplayed after the break.

Gasset admitted that his team struggled with the physicality of the Nigerians in the game.

“It was a very physical match; Nigeria chose to play very low with a five-man defense to exploit counterattacks with their star striker. It was a tightly contested match,” Gasset said after the game.

“We didn’t give the impression of being able to compete physically.”

The hosts will now shift attention to their final group game against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea next Monday.