AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Legend Advises Coach Jose Peseiro Ahead of Nigeria’s Clash Against Angola

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals are on the horizon
• Nigeria are poised to face off against Angola’s Palancas Negras
• An ex-Super Eagles star has given advice to coach, Jose Peseiro

The lead-up to the pulsating 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Palancas Negras of Angola continues to build.

With a riveting history spanning over 50 years, these two teams are set to reignite their intense rivalry at the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.

Angola have often proven to be a formidable opponent for Nigeria, notably denying them a spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with a decisive one-nil victory in Luanda.

Highlighting the challenge posed by the Palancas Negras, data from All Nigeria Soccer emphasises the Super Eagles have not secured a victory over Angola in a competitive fixture since their one-nil win in 1989 in Lagos.

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Under the guidance of coach, Pedro Goncalves, the Angolan team has gained a reputation for causing upsets against higher-ranked opponents. Ghana, Cape Verde, and more recently, Algeria have all fallen victim to the minnows.

Nonetheless, as the highly-anticipated match at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny approaches, a former Super Eagles striker has offered valuable advice to coach, Jose Peseiro.

Super Eagles legend advises Jose Peseiro

In a chat with Sports Brief, former Nigeria forward, Peter Ijeh offered advice to Peserio regarding the tactical approach he could undertake to defeat the Angolans.

When questioned about the possibility of the manager employing a distinctive tactical approach against the formidable Angolan side, the 46-year-old remarked:

"You don't alter a winning team. If something is effective, you stick with it and refine it.

"This formation has proven successful, securing victories against Cameroon and navigating through the group stages. What I would suggest is enhancing the formation, perhaps by incorporating elements like counter-attacks.

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"Also, there's a need to push the play a bit higher up from the 18-yard box. Currently, our defensive line tends to be too deep. That's the adjustment I would make."

Ijeh's words advocate for a more nuanced and technical approach to the formation, aligning with sentiments expressed by a former coach of Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, Nduka Ugbade, who also emphasised the importance of a technical approach to the fixture.

The former Malmo forward concluded by extending his best wishes to the Super Eagles for success at the AFCON.

Nigerians eagerly await to see if Coach Peseiro heeds these rallying cries for technical adjustments during the pivotal clash against the Palancas Negras.

Cameroon striker warns Angola

Sports Brief also previously reported on Cameroon forward, Karl Toko Ekambi issuing a warning to Angola ahead of their meeting with Nigeria.

The 31-year-old cautioned the Palancas Negras to be cautious of the Super Eagles' physical prowess and the team's reslience on the defence.

Ekambi emphasised the challenge posed by Nigeria, citing their ability to prevent him and his teammates from getting goal attempts previously.