Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, addressed concerns about the overall team strength as the Super Eagles gear up for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
The three-time champions kick off against Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan on Sunday, led by African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen.
Despite facing a series of withdrawals, Nigeria boasts a formidable attacking lineup with players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman. However, questions linger about the team’s depth in other areas, particularly in the goalkeeping position, where Francis Uzoho of Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus has been the recent first choice.
Peseiro, addressing these concerns, stated, “I believe in my players, in all of them from the goalkeeper to the striker. Every team sometimes has more power in certain positions. It happens to all national teams. It is my job and responsibility to create a good organization, but the main point is that I believe in them.”
Injuries have impacted Nigeria’s squad, with players like Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Wilfred Ndidi withdrawing close to kick-off. Peseiro confirmed that Moffi will not be available for the Equatorial Guinea match, while Iheanacho and late addition Paul Onuachu arrived in Ivory Coast just in time.
“Kelechi arrived at 4 this morning and so he is completely recovered,” said Peseiro. “The (injured) players are sad, but we have 25 players with quality.”
With eyes on Osimhen, dubbed “the king of Africa” by Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles aim to overcome recent unconvincing performances, including a loss to Guinea in their last warm-up game. Peseiro remains optimistic despite challenges in World Cup qualifying and emphasized the need to perform in the AFCON.
“Playing for Nigeria is not easy, with the history, the stress, the pressure. The people of Nigeria want to win, like us. I am not afraid for me and my team. They need to answer on the pitch. We need to understand the criticism. We have been playing well, but the results in those matches are in the past. This is a different competition.”
