Following Nigeria’s 1-0 victory against Guinea Bissau, securing their passage to the AFCON 2024 knockout phase, Super Eagles Head Coach José Peseiro addressed the press, expressing a mix of satisfaction and ambition.
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José Peseiro lamented missing the top spot in the group, acknowledging Equatorial Guinea’s superior goal difference. Despite falling short of claiming the group’s lead, Peseiro asserted that the team’s overall performance deserved recognition.
In his post-match comments, Peseiro emphasized the defensive solidity he instilled in the team for the tournament. He revealed his objective of maintaining a clean sheet throughout the competition, stating, “For this tournament, I put in the mind of our players that we should not concede goals. We want to keep our goal without conceding goals till we reach the final.” The coach acknowledged the pressure and stress of the tight match against Guinea Bissau but commended the opponent’s performance.
Addressing concerns about the team’s offensive efficiency, particularly in light of scoring only three goals in three games, Peseiro defended the team’s defensive prowess. Despite the emphasis on a sturdy defense, Peseiro assured that the goals would come as they progress in the tournament. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to create clear opportunities and expressed confidence in their ability to find the back of the net in the upcoming matches.
Responding to questions about penalty preparations, Peseiro highlighted the importance of scoring in regular time to avoid relying on penalties. He stressed the team’s attacking mindset, acknowledging the challenge of balancing offensive play with defensive resilience in tournament scenarios. Peseiro recalled discussions with his players during the camp in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the intention to play offensive football and create opportunities, though he acknowledged the difficulties of achieving such a balance.
Peseiro drew parallels with Senegal’s triumph in the last AFCON, where they secured only one goal in the first three matches. He underscored the unpredictability of tournament football and the diverse strategies employed by teams. Despite acknowledging the team’s ability to attack more, Peseiro affirmed his faith in the chosen strategies and the players’ belief in executing them.
As the Super Eagles progress to the knockout stage, Peseiro’s insights into the team’s mindset and tactical approach provide a glimpse into their ambitions and determination in the pursuit of AFCON success.
