ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST - FEBRUARY 11: Victor James Osimhen of Nigeria gestures during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on February 11, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi slams 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final referee Dahane Beida

On February 12, 2024, 5:14 PM

Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi didn’t mince words as he lashed out at Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

The highly anticipated match, which saw the Super Eagles facing off against the Elephants at the Ebimpé Stadium on Sunday, February 11, was marred by contentious officiating decisions that left fans and even Nigeria’s coach, José Peseiro, visibly frustrated.

Despite the heated atmosphere, the host country emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, but Ndidi’s criticism of the referee’s performance has sparked further debate in the aftermath of the final showdown.

“Ref na wa o,” the Nigerian tweeted on X.

Nigerian singer Johnny Drille also shared his frustration on X.

“This referee is against us,” he tweeted.

Nigerian head coach José Peseiro however accepted the defeat by saying that “Côte d’Ivoire was better”.

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was named the best player of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Story By Football Ghana