Nigeria Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has confirmed the arrivals of forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu to the camp of the side at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, www.aclsports.com reports.
Iheanacho, who has been nursing an injury for some weeks now, has teamed up with the rest of his teammates following the initial withdrawal of Leicester teammate Wilfred Ndidi as well as forward Victor Boniface. On the other hand, Onuachu was drafted in as a replacement for the injured Sadiq Umar.
Speaking to the press at the pre-match press conference in Abidjan on Saturday morning, Peseiro said the team are working hard ahead of the game.
He said, “We went camping in Abu Dhabi and we tried to seize the first moment and try to improve the development of our organization ahead of a strong match against Equatorial Guinea.” The team captain Ahmed Musa buttressed his coach’s position, saying the spirit in camp is high and they are ready to showcase what they are made of in the game tomorrow.
Responding to questions about the players who have yet to join up with the team, Mr Peseiro confirmed the arrival of Kelechi Iheanacho, who recently recovered from injury, and Paul Onuachu, who replaced Umar Sadiq before revealing that Terem Moffi is expected on Sunday night.
“Kelechi Iheanacho arrived this morning 4 am and has completely recovered. Moffi, who is the replacement for Boniface, will arrive tomorrow at 8 pm while Paul Onauchu arrived this morning, too”
On a limited amount of Nigeria Premier Football League players in his team, Peseiro said all the players across the world can play for Nigeria, stating he needs to see more quality players in the local league to call them to the team.
“I am not saying that all the players in the local cannot play but I need to see. If I see more players with quality in the league I will call them to the team. Of course, the local leagues in Africa need to improve,” Peseiro added.
On his lack of playing term in the team, Musa said he does not bother the coach for playing time but he is ready to give his best whenever is called upon.
“Everyone knows I am a player that I don’t talk to the coach when he does not play me. I always give my best any moment I come into the pitch. Whether I play or not, depends on the coach. For the players, we are always ready and we know the importance of this tournament.”
“It is my dream to win the AFCON again but as per retirement talks, No human can predict tomorrow, we shall see what happens next,” Musa responded to a question on retirement.
Nigeria will face Equatorial Guinea in their AFCON 2023 Group A opener at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe. Kick-off is by 2 pm local time (3 pm Nigerian time).
