Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said the players can’t use the harsh weather condition in Cote d’Ivoire as an excuse to not play exceptionally at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The Nigerian national team arrived Abidjan in buoyant mood on Wednesday morning, ahead of their opening game despite losing 2-0 to Guinea in a friendly two days earlier.
Peseiro stated during a chat with NFF TV that the Super Eagles must focus on the task ahead and not allow any form of distraction.
“We cannot give excuses about the weather; we need to put in our focus, adapt well and do our best ahead of the first match, which is very important for us,” he said.
The Super Eagles will open their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, Jan. 14. They will also face the hosts, Coted d’Ivoire four days later and Guinea-Bissau, all in the group stage.
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Former Super Eagles star, John Mikel Obi has listed Nigeria among the African favourites to win the title at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Jose Peseiro’s men are drawn in Group A with hosts of the tournament, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Mikel expressed hopes to CAFonline that Super Eagles, three-time AFCON winners, can challenge for the title at the competition next year.
“We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites,” the ex-Chelsea midfielder said.
