Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has reiterated his desire to progress at the expense of Cameroon ahead of their 2023 AFCON round of 16 clash, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Portuguese tactician made his intentions known while responding to questions from the press ahead of his side’s blockbuster clash with the Indomitable Lions at Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium on Saturday night.
Peseiro was questioned on his side’s pragmatic approach to games and he responded by stressing that the goal is just to win, like in the next one against Cameroon.
“It’s a tough match. It is a historic match against a big team, but we want to beat Cameroon,” – The 63-year-old said about tomorrow’s encounter.
“The result is very important and it is to play as a team because it is a short tournament. We want to play offensive game and create more opportunities. I want to score one at least, we will win.”
Nigeria has created the most chances in the tournament but have only scored three goals, but Peseiro believes there’s no cause for alarm ahead of the Cameroon game despite his attackers underperforming.
“We have created a lot of chances, so there is no need to change approach. The goals can come in the next game even with less opportunities.”
On the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho in games, Peseiro offered a slight explanation and added that the Leicester man will get to future.
“You know Kelechi just recovered from injury, there is a reason why he is not playing. I am the coach and you can’t understand. I believe in Iheanacho and he will play in the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Nantes winger Moses Simon was also present at the media briefing to reiterate the words of the coach.
“We don’t pay attention to history, we just want to play and we just want to win.
Peseiro and his Nigerian side will clash with Cameroon at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Saturday for a place in the quarter-finals. The match has been scheduled to kickoff by 8pm local time (9pm Nigerian time).
