AFCON2023: Only God can tell if Super Eagles will defeat Cote d'Ivoire - Jose Peseiro

Ex-Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

FOOTBALL AFCON2023: Only God can tell if Super Eagles will defeat Cote d'Ivoire - Jose Peseiro

AFCON2023: Only God can tell if Super Eagles will defeat Cote d'Ivoire - Jose Peseiro

Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:56 - 15.01.2024

Jose Peseiro and Nigeria Super Eagles are walking a tightrope after a shaky start at Cote d'Ivoire 2023.

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has admitted only divine intervention can help Nigeria against the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, host Ivory Coast in the next game.

The Portuguese coach is sweating after the Super Eagles dropped two points following a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire

The Super Eagles face a herculean task against the star-studded host in a decisive Group A clash later this week. 

Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON started shakingly after the Eagles were held by the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea.

Victor Osimhen celebrates the equaliser against Equatorial Guinea.
Victor Osimhen celebrates the equaliser against Equatorial Guinea. (Credit - CAF

Peseiro’s men started the game from behind after Iban Salvador’s shock opener for the Equatorial Guinea team after 36 minutes.

However, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen combined effectively to equalise and ensure Nigeria shared the spoils with their less illustrious opponents. 

Jose Peseiro sad with Nigeria's start to the AFCON2023.
Jose Peseiro sad with Nigeria's start to the AFCON2023. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

Peseiro reacts

After the game, a sad Nigerian manager, Peseiro, who has now gone spiritual, told the media that the Super Eagles’ fate is now in the hands of God.

“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.

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Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will rekindle their rivalry when they go head-to-head in the all-important clash on Thursday.

While the Elephants will hope to become the first team to book a spot in the knockout stage after their win against Guinea-Bissau, Peseiro’s Super Eagles will look to revive their AFCON2023 dream with a needed win against the host.

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