Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has expressed a deep concern about Nigeria’s upcoming match against the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) host, Ivory Coast, admitting that only divine intervention can help his team.
The Portuguese coach is feeling the pressure after Nigeria dropped two points in their previous match, a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
The Super Eagles are now facing a daunting challenge against the star-studded Ivory Coast team in a crucial Group A encounter later this week.
Nigeria’s campaign in the 2023 AFCON got off to a shaky start when they were held to a draw by Equatorial Guinea.
The National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea took the lead with Iban Salvador’s goal in the 36th minute.
However, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen combined effectively to score the equalizer, securing a draw for Nigeria against their less-fancied opponents.
Following the match, a somber Jose Peseiro, now adopting a spiritual outlook, conveyed to the media that the fate of the Super Eagles now rests in the hands of a higher power.
“I am sad, the players are also sad, but God gives, and God takes,” Peseiro said per a report from Soccernet. “Next game, God could give us,” he added.
Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire are set to reignite their rivalry in a crucial showdown on Thursday.
The Elephants aim to be the first team to secure a spot in the knockout stage following their victory over Guinea-Bissau. Meanwhile, Peseiro’s Super Eagles seek to reignite their AFCON2023 campaign with a crucial win against the host team.
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