The $\ce{CO}$ triple bond has a bond enthalpy of 1072 kJ/mol while the $\ce{N2}$ triple bond has a bond enthalpy of 945 kJ/mol, at least according to my source. The molecules are isoelectronic, so I couldn't think of any way to explain it using MO theory. I've read many explanations that did not make much sense, including
Of course because they are different elements and nitrogen nitrogen bond is balanced and oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen so it will have a greater bond strength
So my question is why is the $\ce{CO}$ triple bond stronger than the $\ce{N2}$ triple bond?