Kenneth Omeruo Discloses Peseiro’s Halftime Talk During Super Eagles’ AFCON Win Over Ivory Coast

• Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a crucial victory against host nation, Ivory Coast
• Captain Troost-Ekong was on hand to convert the spot kick that sealed the win
• A defender has disclosed the manager’s half-time words that inspired the result

The Super Eagles secured a much-needed victory in the pulsating Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against host nation, Ivory Coast.

The crucial game, which was action-packed, would feature a flurry of missed chances and little to separate both teams heading into half-time.

However, the second half would feature a rejuvenated Nigerian side whose heightened intensity paid dividends when Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande, slightly late in his challenge, clipped forward Victor Osimhen's leg while attempting a clearance.

Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal, assisted by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), would eventually award a penalty, which the captain, William Troost-Ekong calmly converted in the 55th minute, securing the much-needed victory for Nigeria.

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However, amid the celebrations and felicitations following the triumph, a Super Eagles defender disclosed the half-time talk delivered by coach Jose Peseiro, which inspired the team's impressive performance.

Peseiro inspires with half-time talk

In a post-match interview with Sports Brief, Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo shared insights into the motivating words of the 63-year-old manager that ignited their explosive second-half performance.

"It's crucial to secure a victory. We aim to fight for the top spot in our group, although we knew it wouldn't be an easy task.

We owe credit to the coaching staff for adjusting our tactics from the first game; it significantly contributed to our success in this match."

Highlighting the impact of the coach's half-time address, the Kasimpasa defender explained:

“The coach told us we were doing well, the shape is good, he made a few corrections, and we used it, and it was good for us to get the penalty and score.”

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Peseiro's pep talk proved pivotal, as Nigeria emerged in the second half, putting up a formidable performance against Jean-Louis Gasset's team.

Having virtually secured their place in round 16, the three-time Cup of Nations winners will now turn their focus to the upcoming final group fixture against the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau with the aim of topping the group.

Ekong ends Super Eagles' winless run

Sports Brief in a previous report stated Nigeria ended their winless run with a crucial AFCON victory against host nation, Ivory Coast.

Captain Troost Ekong was on hand to seal the victory for Peseiro’s side on the night after forward Victor Osimhen had won a penalty.

The win ensured Nigeria recorded its first victory since the 3-2 triumph against Mozambique in October 2023.