AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro Defends His Nigeria Squad Selection

• The Super Eagles are among the favourites to win AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast
• The squad selection of coach, Jose Peseiro, has sparked debate among many
• The Portuguese manager recently opened up on the rationale for his selection

The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations is on, and Ivory Coast is raring to host the rest of the continent in what is the 34th edition of the biennial football tournament.

Among the numerous teams tipped to clinch the title are the Super Eagles of Nigeria. However, a host of scepticism has emerged mainly due to the calibre of the players included by manager, Jose Peseiro, in his final 25-man list.

The Portuguese tactician opted to select 25 players instead of the 27 allowed by the competition’s organising body - the Confederation of African Football (CAF) - and also left out a few players many fans and stakeholders expected to make the final selection for the tournament.

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However, ahead of the Super Eagles travelling out to their training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the 63-year-old has opened up on the rationale behind his squad selection.

Peseiro discusses his Super Eagles squad

The former Venezuela national team manager, who spoke to the NFF's media department as reported by Brila.net, backed the decision to bring 25 players in for the tournament, emphasising the benefits in terms of group dynamics and training.

"This is the 25-man list that I want, and I believe they will give their best for us at the tournament. The NFF decided on 25 players, and I agree with it, because having more players is beneficial for the group and training. Since the beginning, [the] NFF decided on 25 players."

The coach also elaborated on the criteria for selecting the final squad for AFCON, considering factors such as working with the squad, performance, and current form.

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"All the players have been working with us until now. The second aspect is the performance of the selection. Some displayed good performances in their clubs but not in our national team, and vice versa. I aimed to evaluate players who can perform well for the national team and contribute to the Super Eagles," Peseiro explained.

He further emphasised the importance of current form, individual characteristics, and the need for a mix of qualities in the chosen players. Peseiro acknowledged the difficulty in making the selection but expressed hope that these 25 players would perform well.

The players representing the Super Eagles are expected to depart for Abu Dhabi on January 2 for a week-long training camp before flying to Ivory Coast for the AFCON tournament.

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Sports Brief previously reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered an injury blow ahead of the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

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Jose Peseiro’s side are currently struggling with the fitness of forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, as well as the new injury suffered by Wilfred Ndidi.

The Super Eagles open their AFCON campaign against Central African counterpart, Equatorial Guinea, and would miss the services of the duo.