Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi did not hold back as he expressed his frustration with Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.
The highly anticipated match, between the Super Eagles and the Elephants at the Ebimpé Stadium on Sunday, February 11, was overshadowed by controversial officiating decisions that left fans and even Nigeria’s coach, José Peseiro, visibly dismayed.
Despite the tense atmosphere, the host country emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, but Ndidi’s critique of the referee’s performance has sparked further discussion in the aftermath of the final showdown.
— Ndidi Wilfred (@Ndidi25) February 12, 2024
“Ref na wa o,” the Nigerian tweeted on X.
Ref na wa o
— Ndidi Wilfred (@Ndidi25) February 11, 2024
Nigerian singer Johnny Drille also voiced his frustration on X.
“This referee is against us,” he tweeted.
Nigerian head coach José Peseiro, however, accepted the defeat by admitting that “Côte d’Ivoire was better”.
Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was named the best player of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
