In a strategic move ahead of the 2023 AFCON, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has laid out a clear plan to guide Nigeria back to the podium, aiming to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last secured in 2013. With his contract intricately tied to the team's performance in the upcoming tournament kicking off in January in Ivory Coast, Peseiro revealed the intricacies of his game plan.
The initial target, as outlined by the seasoned coach, is a strong performance in the group stage. Placed in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and host country Ivory Coast, Peseiro emphasized the importance of progressing beyond the group stage, setting the first stepping stone towards AFCON success.
"It starts with getting out of the group. That is the first step, but if we can qualify as group leaders, that will be an added advantage," Peseiro asserted, underlining the significance of a strong start for the Super Eagles.
Moving forward, Peseiro highlighted the critical role of the team's defenders, emphasizing the need for heightened performance in the knockout rounds. "We have to really defend well when we get out of the group stage. That is a must because in the knockout round, defending is very critical and key to your progress," he explained.
Confident in the offensive prowess of the Super Eagles, Peseiro pointed to the formidable forward line, featuring talents like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Kelechi Iheanacho. "The attack we know can score goals. Even the defenders can join the attack and score, but you have to defend it," he expressed.
Continuing his insights, Peseiro underscored the psychological impact of a solid defense on the entire team. "When you have your defense not conceding goals, the confidence in the team flows even to the attack, and the result is always good for the team, particularly for a tournament you want to win."
As the Super Eagles gear up for the AFCON challenge, Peseiro's meticulous strategy aims to harness the strengths of both the defensive and offensive aspects, providing a roadmap that fans hope will guide Nigeria to reclaim the coveted Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
