AFCON 2023: Angola Coach Increases Pressure on Nigeria's Super Eagles Ahead of Last 8 Showdown

• Pedro Goncalves has added to the pressure on Nigeria as AFCON favourites
• Many believe the Super Eagles can go all the way to another continental title
• Goncalves, the manager of Angola, has promised a good showing from his side

Angola's head coach, Pedro Goncalves, has intensified the pressure on Nigeria ahead of the AFCON quarter-final clash with the Super Eagles.

The two teams will vie for a spot in the semi-finals of the continental tournament at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Friday, February 2.

Angola, the giant killers of AFCON 2023, have defied expectations by scoring the highest number of goals in the biennial competition.

Having reached the AFCON quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, as noted by WAM, coach Goncalves and the Palancas Negras will aim to add Nigeria to their list of major scalps.

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According to The Analyst, the Super Eagles have been labelled the new favourite to win the 34th edition of the showpiece, with Opta AI assigning them a 55.5% chance of winning.

However, the 'favourite' tag has proven to be a poisoned chalice in this year's competition, with many teams bearing that title exiting before the quarter-final stage.

Nigeria is ranked as the top FIFA nation among the remaining eight, while Angola holds the lowest rank (117th) among the teams left in the 2023 edition of the AFCON.

Angola coach puts pressure on 'favourites' Nigeria

In anticipation of an intriguing game, Goncalves has increased the pressure on Nigeria, amplifying the challenge posed by their 'favourite' status.

"In principle, the favourite teams are those that have more competencies, but I also think that between the four lines of the pitch, they will unveil the most competent team," he said at Angola's pre-match press conference.

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The Palancas Negras boss also commented on the improvement in African football and how his country were proving themselves to be a threat.

"Angola is present in this important competition, and we can also get to high levels. We've had a high output in this competition. When we have the opportunity to equalise with the top nation, we will do our best, and we will show our competence in tomorrow's game."

Nigeria coach downplays 'favourite' tag

Sports Brief also previously reported that Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has downplayed Nigeria's AFCON 'favourites' label ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Angola.

Despite an impressive win over Cameroon in the Round of 16, he believes his team only has a 50% chance of winning, contrary to the widespread perception of them being 'overwhelming favourites'.