AFCON 2023: ‘Our strategy worked’, Peseiro boasts after Super Eagles win

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro said he adopted a system that worked for the team in their hard-fought 1-0 victory over host Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday.

Chronicle NG reports that Nigeria dealt hosts Cote d’Ivoire a huge blow in the race for AFCON quarterfinal qualifying, defeating them 1-0 in Thursday’s titanic Group A clash.

Peseiro noted that he was elated to have put in place “a strategy that worked” against the hosts, who had the backing of a highly vocal crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe.

The Portuguese technician said he identified several areas for improvement during the match, which was won by Victor Osimhen’s penalty and converted by William Troost-Ekong in the 55th minute.

“For the next match, we have to control the game, try to be less timid, and not give possession to the opponent,” he said.

He did, however, caution that the critical victory had not immediately elevated Nigeria to the top of the competition’s rankings.

“I told my players not to savor the victory.

“We have four days left before the next match.

“From day one, I told them, ‘you must win the AFCON,’” he said.

Peseiro’s side will face Guinea-Bissau on Monday at the Stade Félix Houphout Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches at 5.00 p.m.