Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has lamented the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat in the hands of Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, describing it as a disappointing and frustrating end.

He, however, apologised to Nigerians for the loss.

Nwabali made his position known in a post on Instagram.

Nigeria initially took the lead in the 18th minute through a header from William Troost-Ekong, but Cote d’Ivoire equalised in the 63rd minute and secured the winning goal in the 87th minute, prompting celebrations among the hosts and their fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Sharing a picture of himself looking disheartened on the pitch, accompanied by the caption, Nwabali wrote: “A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan and I understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night. We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all “