While Nigeria had the best defense during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, their manager, José Peseiro has urged his team to be more clinical up front.
With a 1-0 victory over Angola, the Super Eagles achieved their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the competition, sending them into the semifinals.
With a match against South Africa on Wednesday, Nigeria is quietly and unobtrusively making progress in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023. Two more games stand between the coach and his team and Nigeria’s fourth victory.
Nigeria’s defensive resilience is commendable, but Peseiro wants to see progress in attack.
“Once again we played without conceding, scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities,” he said.
The Portuguese believes Nigeria aren’t making the most of their talent, as they have only scored six goals in their last five games.
“We are a quality team, Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient,” Peseiro added.
The manager acknowledged that injury absences have hindered chance generation.
“We’re missing some key creators like Iheanacho and Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up,” he noted.
Finding a clinical edge could be crucial as Nigeria looks to win an AFCON for the fourth time and José Peseiro knows that too well.
They would get closer to this significant objective if they defeated South Africa on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
The Super Eagles’ frugal defense has allowed them to grind out victories. However, Peseiro has the potential to take Nigeria back to the top of African football if they can find their scoring formula.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola