Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro says his team lost balance towards the end of the semi-final victory against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The three-time champions defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling semi-final contest at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, on Wednesday night.
The keenly contested game ended in a 1-1 draw with William Troost-Ekong and Teboho Mokoena scoring for the two teams.
Nigeria converted four of their penalties, while South Africa scored two.
“Around 90 minutes, I see that our team suffered, we were shaken, we lost the balance,” Peseiro told a conference.
“But during the break before the extra time, we put ourselves together and went into extra time with that confidence.”
Nigeria will face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday.