Nigerian national football coach, Augustin Eguavon, attributed the "Super Eagles" defeat at the hands of the "Elephants" of Cote d'Ivoire in Alexandria Tuesday in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to "tiredness" by his forwards.

"I did not understand the pattern of play by my players during the match against Cote d'Ivoire. They were so slow. It is probably fatigue which took its toll this evening after the five matches we have played so far," Eguavon told a post-match news briefing.

However, he also recognised the high standard of play exhibited by the Ivorian side and encouraged it to persevere until the end of the competition on Friday.

"We encountered a highly talented technical team that dominated the game. We wish them good luck," he concluded.

Nigeria lost 0-1 to Cote d'Ivoire in the first CAN semi-final match staged in Alexandria, while hosts Egypt edged Senegal 2-1 in the second.

The "Elephants" of Cote d'Ivoire meet the "Pharaohs" of Egypt in the CAN final on Friday in Cairo, while the "Lions" of Senegal and Nigerian "Super Eagles" will battle for the third position on Thursday.