AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro Outlines How the Super Eagles Will Defeat Ivory Coast

• Jose Peseiro is confident the Super Eagles will defeat Ivory Coast
• Both teams will face off in the second Group A game on Thursday
• Ivory Coast sit top of Group A on three points, while Nigeria has one

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro says his team has what it takes to defeat Ivory Coast and resurrect their Africa Cup of Nations chances after stumbling in their first group game.

The three-time African champions will tackle the Elephants in one of the highly anticipated group phase matches that should determine the fate of the Nigerian team.

According to Score Nigeria, Peseiro, emphasizing the significance of the match against the Elephants, believes that Nigeria's key to victory lies in converting their chances against the host nation.

“We have what it takes to win the game tomorrow, and there’s nothing to change in my team because we created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities in our game against Equatorial Guinea, and we hope to utilise the opportunities this time and score goals.”

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The Super Eagles are currently third in Group A with one point after playing a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea and must need to avoid defeat against Ivory Coast when both teams clash on Thursday.

Iheanacho doubtful for Super Eagles

Meanwhile, Nigeria is sweating on the fitness of Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, ahead of their crunch match against Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18 in Abidjan, the Guardian reports.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro disclosed the 27-year-old forward had been training alone since his arrival at the team’s camp, and it is uncertain if he will be selected for the game against the Elephants.

Most Nigerians have tipped Iheanacho to start against Ivory Coast after the Super Eagles struggled to create clear-cut chances in their opening group game against Equatorial Guinea.

Peseiro’s possible changes vs Ivory Coast

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Super Eagles' head coach, Peseiro, is expected to make changes to his starting team for Nigeria's Group A match against Ivory Coast.

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Alhassan Yusuf, a feisty midfielder, appears poised to miss Nigeria’s next game against the host nation after being stretched out against Equatorial Guinea.

Southampton’s Joe Aribo is expected to replace the injured Alhassan, while Iheanacho is also expected to be drafted into the team, replacing Alex Iwobi in midfield.