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By Peter Akinbo
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has set his sights on landing a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title for Nigeria when the tournament kicks off on January 13, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Portuguese manager believes Nigeria can conquer the continent again despite their last triumph coming back in 2013.
“We will fight to win the Africa Cup, even though it won’t be easy,” Peseiro said in quotes published by CAFOnline on Saturday.
Nigeria have been drawn against hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in a tricky Group A.
Peseiro has insisted that it is not an easy group for the Eagles saying, “Our group is not easy because we are up against Cote d’Ivoire, who have a good squad and are playing at home.
“Equatorial Guinea reached the quarter-final at the last Afcon, better than Nigeria.”
Three-time champions Nigeria are camping in Abu Dhabi for their training camp before travelling to Abidjan for the tournament.
They kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14th.
Peseiro monitored over 70 players before settling on his final 25-man squad.
“It was not easy to choose the 25 players,” the manager admitted.
Nigeria are seeking to close the gap on record seven-time winners Egypt and Cameroon’s five titles.
The Super Eagles triumphed most recently in 2013 in South Africa thanks to Sunday Mba’s winner against Burkina Faso.
Despite a tricky draw, Peseiro clearly believes his talented side can conjure another memorable Afcon triumph.
With the likes of Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen in their ranks, Nigeria have the quality to go all the way but they face stiff competition from hosts Ivory Coast and an Equatorial Guinea side who reached the last eight in 2021 among others.