AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro Sends Clear Message to Nigeria’s Opponents Ahead of South Africa Clash

AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro Sends Clear Message to Nigeria’s Opponents Ahead of South Africa Clash

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
Democratic Republic of the Congo logo
DR Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
25
Ivory Coast logo
Cote DIvoire
Ivory Coast
27
  • The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations climaxes with the finals on the horizon
  • Nigeria’s Super Eagles square off against Bafana Bafana in the semi-final
  • Nigerian team coach, Jose Peseiro, has spelt out his side’s aim at the showpiece

The build-up to the looming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana continues to herald the continent’s footballing landscape.

These two teams, steeped in a rich and captivating history, are set to reignite their rivalry at the illustrious Stade de Bouake in Ivory Coast.

AFCON, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, Angola, South Africa
Jose Peseiro during the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal fixture between Nigeria and Angola. Image: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

Nonetheless, amidst the unfolding drama preceding the encounter, the coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has boldly conveyed a message of determination to all opponents, emphasising his team's unwavering ambition for glory at the prestigious event.

Peseiro sends defiant message

The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician, taking centre stage for the final pre-match briefing ahead of the clash against Bafana Bafana, articulated his team’s ambitions for the AFCON.

As reported by Nigerian football expert, MikeThePundit, the former Sporting CP manager asserted:

“I want to win the AFCON.”
“When I signed my contract, I checked the players I have, and I know they are capable of winning the trophy.”

The Nigerian coach's words resonate as a resolute challenge to the remaining three teams [DR Congo, South Africa, and Ivory Coast], who have also booked their places in the semi-finals of the showpiece.

Nigeria stands prominently as favourites to claim the title come February 11, owing to the abundance of top-tier talent within their ranks and the steadfast defensive strategy exhibited by the Super Eagles throughout the tournament.

However, before Nigeria can stake their claim as champions of the 2023 AFCON, they must first surmount the formidable obstacle of overcoming Bafana Bafana to secure a berth in the tournament's finals.

Super Eagles defender expresses confidence

In another report, Sports Brief highlighted that the defender of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ola Aina, has voiced his confidence in the team securing a vital victory against South Africa.

During the pre-match press conference, the Nottingham Forest star emphasised the positive atmosphere among the players and their determined approach to clinch the win.

Having enjoyed an impeccable campaign at the AFCON thus far, the former Chelsea defender is expected to feature in the starting XI when the lineup for the match is unveiled.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).