Jose Peseiro reveals strategy behind Super Eagles’ victory against Cote d’Ivoire

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has disclosed the strategy behind Nigeria’s 1-0 victory against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Peseiro’s men secured an impressive win against the hosts, and the Portuguese coach explained that he devised the game plan during the team’s training tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Peseiro emphasized the need to close down space, defend well, and work hard to restrict the strong Ivorien team which had talented players. The players executed the plan effectively on the field on Thursday, January 18, 2024, denying the opposition opportunity to play their preferred style of football.

Peseiro said ” I started thinking about how to approach this game when we were in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Cote d’Ivoire is a strong team with good players, so we need to close down the space and defend very well.

“We know we have to work hard and not allow them play their football. The players did well to stick to our plan in the game.”

With the victory, Nigeria positioned themselves well in group A, ahead of the final group game against Guinea-Bissau at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, next week Monday.

A point vs Guinea Bissau will guarantee the Super Eagles a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations knockout round.