- Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro urges his team to elevate their performance after advancing to the last-16 in AFCON
- Peseiro emphasizes the need for increased clinicality in front of goal, recognizing the heightened significance of knockout stage matches
After securing a spot in the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is urging his team to step up their game for the challenges ahead.
Despite comfortably advancing from Group A with seven points from three games, Nigeria’s performance suggests room for improvement, with only three goals scored during this period.
Peseiro expressed readiness to face any opponent but admitted a slight dissatisfaction, believing his team deserved to top the group by defeating Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.
Reflecting on the recent victory against Guinea-Bissau, Peseiro acknowledged the opponent’s resilience in seeking their first win in the competition. He emphasized missed opportunities, stating, “We created the chances to win by more than a goal.”
Looking ahead to the knockout rounds, Peseiro highlighted the heightened significance of these matches compared to the group stage. He stressed the need for increased clinicality in front of goal, recognizing that any mistake, especially in scoring, could prove fatal for the team.
Peseiro played down concerns about the injury to captain William Troost-Ekong, assuring that it is a minor issue and not a significant setback. As the Super Eagles gear up for the next phase of the competition, Peseiro remains focused on refining their performance for the challenges that lie ahead.