Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has provided insights into the strategic approach that led to Nigeria’s triumph over Cote d’Ivoire during their training tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Peseiro and his squad spent a week in Abu Dhabi, intensively preparing for the AFCON 2023. The victory against the host nation marked Nigeria’s first success at the tournament, following their 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea the previous weekend.
In a spirited display throughout the game, the Super Eagles secured the win with centre-back William Troost-Ekong converting a decisive penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the box.
Reflecting on the victory, Peseiro shared his strategic insights with reporters, stating, “I started thinking about how to approach this game when we were in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Cote d’Ivoire is a strong team with good players, so we need to close down the space and defend very well.”
Acknowledging the need to neutralize Cote d’Ivoire’s strengths and prevent them from playing their football, Peseiro praised his players for executing the game plan effectively. The victory underscores the importance of meticulous preparation and tactical acumen in navigating the challenges of elite football tournaments like the AFCON 2023.
