In the lead-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-finals, the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have defied expectations despite a less-than-impressive pre-tournament performance. Head coach Jose Peseiro has addressed concerns about the team's shaky form and low goal-scoring record, emphasizing that friendly matches were not an accurate reflection of their readiness for the continental championship.
The Super Eagles faced setbacks in their build-up, losing 2-0 to Guinea and managing a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in friendlies. Peseiro acknowledged the team's subpar results but pointed out that their qualification journey featured more goals and significant victories. In a statement to SABC Sport, he stated, ''It's true, our previous results were not so good, against Guinea and especially against Zimbabwe - we deserved to win against Zimbabwe."
Peseiro defended the purpose of friendly matches, considering them as opportunities to test players against different teams and experiment with strategies. He noted that playing many of these matches away from home, including encounters with Portugal, Mexico, and Mozambique, added a unique factor to the team's preparation.
As the Super Eagles head into the semi-finals, set to face South Africa on 7 February, Peseiro remains optimistic about their chances. The team, despite being goal-shy in the tournament, aims to secure a spot in the final – a feat not achieved since their 2013 title win. The clash with South Africa promises to renew a historic rivalry, with both teams seeking a chance to compete for the Afcon title.
