AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Legend Speaks on Nigeria’s Style of Play Ahead of South Africa Clash

• The AFCON enters into its final week with the semi-final clashes on the horizon
• The Super Eagles of Nigeria are poised to square off against the Bafana Bafana
• Former Nigeria striker has opened up on the style of play of coach Jose Peseiro

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast has exceeded all expectations, reaching heights that many could only dream of when the tournament began.

From unexpected upsets to astonishing performances by underestimated players on the field and an ongoing display of tactical brilliance from managers in the dugouts, the competition has consistently captivated fans and stakeholders with its nail-biting moments.

Among the standout teams showcasing a remarkable change in tactics is the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Despite entering the Ivory Coast tournament as the deadliest attacking team on the continent, having scored 22 goals in six qualifying games, the West African giants faced the persistent issue of a leaky defence that conceded goals unexpectedly.

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However, as the tournament unfolded, the Super Eagles surprisingly emerged with the best defence, conceding only one goal in their five games played so far.

The unexpected change in approach by coach Jose Peseiro, particularly after the one-all draw against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea, appears to be the critical factor behind the tactical adjustments that transformed the Nigeria national team into a more defensively solid unit. This shift contrasts with the initially anticipated free-scoring style many had predicted before the competition.

While the new style of play has yielded positive results, some critics argue that it has limited the attacking prowess of the Super Eagles, leaving a few dissatisfied.

However, as the Super Eagles gear up for the crucial AFCON semi-final against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, a former Super Eagles forward has shared his perspective on coach Peseiro's approach in the competition.

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Super Eagles legend on Peseiro’s approach

In an interview with Sports Brief, former Super Eagles forward, Peter Ijeh, shared his insights on Nigeria's style of play at the AFCON.

"The missing piece now is finding the right balance in our style of play. In the knockout stage, there are no second chances—you play poorly, and you're out. Goals can change games, so it's crucial to score and defend well to achieve the desired results."

The 46-year-old acknowledges the coach's adaptability to meet the pressing needs of the Super Eagles at the AFCON.

"I'm content with the formation. I believe that tweaking dynamics and making slight formation changes is necessary to find the right balance for the current situation, and that's precisely what the manager has been doing."

The former Malmo star concluded by emphasising that he doesn't mind the manager's approach as long as it continues to yield positive results.

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Ijeh's words seem to echo the sentiments of Nigerians globally, who are currently more focused on results than the aesthetics and beautiful approach to football.

Nigerians are hopeful that, irrespective of the style of play, the Super Eagles will secure another crucial victory against South Africa when both teams meet at the Stade de Bouake, on February 7.

Three South Africa players Nigeria should be wary of

In another report, Sports Brief highlighted three South African players that Nigeria should be wary of ahead of their crucial semi-final meeting.

Bafana Bafana boasts a team that includes the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Inter-Club Player of the Year, Percy Tau, and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, among others.

The 1996 AFCON champions are on the quest for their second title in 28 years.