Ahead of a pivotal clash at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against South Africa, Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, has confidently expressed his team’s readiness and determination to secure a victory and advance to the final.
Nigeria’s solid shape and unity of purpose have helped them thus far, and Peseiro believes these are the qualities needed to reach the final.
Speaking ahead of the clash with South Africa, he emphasized the qualities that have defined Nigeria’s journey in the tournament so far.
Peseiro stated, as reported by Soar Super Eagles on X, “We have shown good spirit, organization, demand, commitment and sacrifice, and we play together as a team. Our goal is just to beat South Africa and reach the final.”
Nigeria’s journey to the semifinals
The Super Eagles have proved doubters wrong, as their form coming into this tournament left many people writing them off.
A 1-1 draw in the opener against Equatorial Guinea set the tone for Jose Peseiro’s side before a statement 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast was followed by another 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in the final group game to finish second in their group, setting up a round of 16 tie with arch-rivals Cameroon.
The Eagles dispatched the indomitable Lions 2-0 before beating Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final date with South Africa.
