On the eve of his first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against host, Cote D’Ivoire, the head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Jose Peseiro has one thing in mind.
That’s to win of the title at the end of his first AFCON tournament with the three-time African champions.
The Portuguese met with journalists in Abidjan during the pre-match press conference on Saturday with purpose alongside captain, Ahmed Musa.
“I am happy the team is happy also to reach the final. They have done a fantastic and amazing job but we want to win this AFCON,” Peseiro said.
“He (Zaidu Sanusi )trained yesterday and today we will have the last practice. We will check if he can play.
“We are happy to play this final. Our opponents’ coach, Emerse Fae is also doing well. Congratulations to them for reaching the final. We are both favourites with 50% chances for each team but we want to win the AFCON.
“We have played 14 matches and lost one. With this form, we want to win the AFCON.
“If games go well, fans are happy but when it doesn’t go well, they attack us. It’s life. I am prepared for everything. The situation doesn’t fill my mind. My mind is only focused on tomorrow’s match against Cote d’Ivoire. A tough match with a good team since the first game of the competition. Only one thing is important for us, I want to win and we want to win the match. I will do my best with the team and players as they will be on the field.
“We will try to play within the atmosphere. Though they will try to shout at us but it is a good atmosphere for the final. We will concentrate on our job on the field with our sacrifice and spirit.
“Ahmed Musa for us is a much more great player. He advised me about the team.” He concluded.
Ahmed Musa who won the AFCON title with Kenneth Omeruo in 2013 wants to re-enact that wonderful feat in Cote d’Ivoire.
“Like I said since the beginning of the tournament, we just want to win the title. Insha Allah, we will do that,” Musa posited.
“There is nothing special. It’s just for us to go out there. We know that the fans will support our opponents but won’t be on the field to play the match. We are just focused and will do what we know how to do best on the pitch.
“This is one of my best AFCONs. A lot of surprises from the beginning of the tournament till the end. For me, the most important thing is to win tomorrow because it is important for Nigerians. We deserve it and will be out there to give our best.
“The Ivorien side is still the same with some tactical changes after some players joined. There is nothing new about them. We just have to go back and watch the last game we played against them and their few games where they made changes.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I am a patient person. I have played for most of my teammates to win. Now if any player plays for me to win I don’t think there is anything bad in that. For me, the most important thing is to win. I respect my coach’s decisions.” He concluded.
A win for the Super Eagles will move them to a fourth title, equal with West African side, Ghana.
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