The Super Eagles’ Coach, Jose Peseiro, has emphasized the significance of engaging in more high-quality friendly matches on well-maintained pitches in order to enhance Nigeria’s chances of clinching its fourth Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2024 tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Peseiro believes that thorough preparation and training on top-notch pitches will enable the technical team to assemble an exceptional squad capable of overcoming any opposition at the AFCON. He expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organizing international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, stating that such fixtures would help expose the team’s weaknesses and allow the coaches to find solutions before the AFCON.
“The Eagles must face formidable opponents in friendly matches, as these encounters provide valuable insight into our current level and areas requiring improvement. Unfortunately, some players who I had anticipated observing during the friendly matches were unable to join the Portugal camp, necessitating swift replacements. Nevertheless, the present Eagles’ squad includes dedicated players who are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead,” Peseiro remarked.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles defender, Bright Omokaro, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to triumph in Group A of the 2024 AFCON, which consists of Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau. He highlighted the quality present in the current Eagles’ squad as a source of inspiration for every coach. However, Omokaro stressed the importance of hard work and meticulous preparation to reclaim the summit of African football.
“Facing Cote d’Ivoire, a formidable team and the host of the AFCON, in the opening game may pose a challenge for the Super Eagles. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that Nigeria will not be disgraced in that match. Nigerians should maintain a positive outlook towards the Eagles in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and next year’s AFCON,” Omokaro added.
