“We suffocated Nigeria with a relentless push which hindered them from developing their game,” says Cote D’Ivoire captain, Max Gradel, in the wake of the Elephants’ triumph in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.
Both teams renewed their hostilities following an initial clash in the group stage, which the Super Eagles won 1-0.
Gradel, who was also a member of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Afcon in Equatorial Guinea, said they were confident of not bowing to Nigeria in their rematch.
“You can’t beat a team twice in the same tournament. Not easy. We studied that game very well and corrected our mistakes and weaknesses. I was expecting a tougher opposition from Nigeria though, but after the first 15 minutes, I told my teammates that they appeared weaker than expetced,” he told ACLsports in Abidjan.
The host team engaged Nigeria in a frenetic pace as soon as the whistle went off and enjoyed domination throughout the first half but were punctured by a clinical opener from William Troost-Ekong in the 38th minute.
“It was a great goal. I love William. He is a great captain and defender. I was happy that he won the tournament’s MVP. I heard him many times giving firm instructions to his teammates when crisis come up during on the pitch and they immediately comply. It shows he is a great leader.
“I wasn’t scared after they scored. I was confident that our efforts would pay off unless we failed to keep up with the pace. In fact, we took a leaf from the Nigeria versus Cameroun clash in the round of 16. If you watch that game, again, you will see how Nigeria suffocated Cameroun. The Indomitable Lions had no time or space to develop their game. That was the option we deployed against Nigeria, and it worked out. Our relentless push hindered them largely. They couldn’t develop their game.”
Cote D’Ivoire eventually equalised in the 62nd minute through former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder, Franck Kessie, before star striker Sebastien Haller snatched the winner nine minutes from fulltime.
“We never wavered. Our coach told us at break time that the first thing we needed to do was never allowing Nigeria to grab a second goal. He said if that happened we were finished. I was expecting the Super Eagles to push and improved their lead but it appeared they lacked stamina and were opting to protect that slim advantage,” Gradel said.
“You don’t protect one goal against a host nation in a final game. The crowd, the winds, the birds, the gods, would join the fight against you. After our equaliser, Nigeria suddenly woke up from their slumber and began to push but I knew it was too late. We wouldn’t settle for anything lesser than an outright win – no penalty shootout.”
Cote D’Ivoire held on to clinch their third Afcon title following their successes in 1992 and 2015.
While many in the country are expecting Gradel to hang up his boots, the 36-year-old former Leicester City and Bournemouth winger, who now plies his trade at Turkish side Gaziantep, said he could make it to the next Afcon slated for Morocco mid next year.
“I believe they still need my services. Our team boast a number of youngsters who need mentoring. So, I believe I can still play a role. However, if the big guys decide otherwise, I would have no other option.”
