Following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) loss, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro gracefully acknowledged the superiority of the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

In a dramatic final, Sebastien Haller's late goal secured a 2-1 victory for the hosts over Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria, clinching their third continental title.

Despite leading Nigeria to their first final since 2013, Peseiro humbly conceded Ivory Coast's dominance in a post-match interview, stating, "Ivory Coast were better than us today." Reflecting on his team's effort, he expressed sadness but acknowledged their maximum effort. Ivory Coast's journey to victory was remarkable, especially considering their initial struggles, including a heavy defeat against Equatorial Guinea.

Under new leadership after parting ways with their coach, they embarked on a remarkable turnaround, defeating strong opponents like Senegal, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their triumph was celebrated by a packed stadium, filled to its 60,000 capacity, showcasing the overwhelming support for the team. Despite historical tendencies for low-scoring finals, Ivory Coast's win departed from tradition, capping off an electrifying tournament with a well-deserved victory.