… explains Ahmed Musa’s “vital” role
… gives update on Nwabali’s injury
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said his players must stay humble and focus on their next game against Angola.
Peseiro’s side have defeated two of the continent’s heavyweights, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their latest victory against the Indomitable Lions saw them advance to the quarter-finals.
Angola continued their impressive showing at the AFCON 2023 finals with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Namibia on Saturday.
Peseiro warned his players of the threat posed by the Palancas Negras and further stated that it is important for them to take the opponent seriously.
“We will now focus on our next match against Angola, which is having an excellent tournament,” the Portuguese told the media at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
“We must take this opponent seriously, so we will continue to sleep early and eat pasta (laughs). Jokes aside, all the teams at this stage are capable of winning the tournament.”
In addition, the Super Eagles coach has addressed concerns surrounding national team captain Ahmed Musa’s lack of playing time at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite not featuring in any of the Super Eagles’ four matches, Peseiro insists Musa remains a crucial figure for the team.
“He can play and also be a good leader,” Peseiro stated at the post-match press conference after their victory against Cameroon. “I have two other captains, Ekong and Omeruo, who are doing a fantastic job regardless of playing time.”
Peseiro emphasized that Musa’s presence transcends playing minutes, highlighting his dual role as leader and mentor. “If he weren’t an option, I wouldn’t call him,” he explained. “But because he is, his contribution goes beyond the pitch.”
Peseiro further elaborated on how Musa’s experience benefits the team, particularly the younger players. “We have 11 players experiencing their first AFCON,” he said. “Someone needs to manage them, like me. Sometimes, I ask Musa, Omeruo, and Ekong to share their knowledge and explain the tournament atmosphere.”
In an earlier interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Abidjan, Musa had expressed confidence in the Super Eagles going all the way despite the injury setbacks that denied some key players the chance of making Nigeria’s AFCON party to Ivory Coast.
Acknowledging the challenge of injuries, Musa said, “In football, you have to expect the unexpected. Injuries have greatly affected us, but we can’t dwell on that. We have to pray for their recovery and focus on the next game.”
Despite the challenges, Musa remains confident in the team’s ability to succeed. “Do I still believe the Super Eagles can do it again?” he asked rhetorically. “Insha Allah, I still have that belief.”
The Super Eagles will meet Angola on Friday, in the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium at 6 pm.
Angola had earlier beaten Namibia 3-0 to secure a place in the last 8.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles Head Coach has said Stanley Nwabali’s fitness will be assessed ahead of their game against Angola.
After the match, Peseiro told reporters: “We will assess the state of Nwabali’s injury in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“It’s difficult to assess his condition while we were in the match. But I am hoping that he will be fit for the next match.
“I want him to play. And the players want him to play.”
