As Nigeria prepare for the final Group A game against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has provided an update on the Super Eagles injury issues and outlined their approach to the upcoming AFCON 2024 match.
During the regular pre-match press conference, the 63-year-old Portuguese coach expressed readiness for the game and emphasised a serious approach, stating, “The games are different; we will approach tomorrow’s game with a different approach.”
Peseiro also disclosed that Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf is unavailable for the clash against the Djurtus, mentioning, “Alhassan (Yusuf) is not available for tomorrow’s game.”
When asked about utilising all his players during the tournament, Peseiro expressed his willingness to do so, but he emphasized the team's importance over individual players due to tournament rules.
“I would like to play all of them. If they allow me, I will field 23 of them, but our responsibility is to win,” stated the Portuguese coach.
Peseiro highlighted that several players have not seen playing time yet, listing, “Till now we have not played Uzoho, Ojo, Chidozie, Bruno Onyemaechi, Onyedika, Ahmed, Kelechi, and Moffi, about eight players.”
Peseiro hails spirit inside Super Eagles camp
He reinforced the team-centric philosophy, emphasising the importance of unity and teamwork, stating, “The main point here, and my players know, is our team, Super Eagles.
“Our responsibility is to beat Guinea-Bissau, not give a chance to one player because all the players deserve it; they work very well in the camp.”
Expressing belief in all the players, Peseiro acknowledged the challenge of making choices, saying, “I believe in all of them, but need to choose 11.
“I believe in the 25 players. For tomorrow, I get to choose the best XI in my opinion. They deserve to play, but I cannot replace more than five, cannot start more than 11. Everybody is focused every time, for that they do the same training.”
Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in their last group game of AFCON 2024.
A win will secure their position at the top of the table, while a significant loss may jeopardize their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
