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Peter Akinbo
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro and captain Ahmed Musa have promised Nigerians that they will claim all the three points in their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday (today).
Nigeria are gunning for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with their last triumph on the continental stage coming over a decade ago in 2013.
The Eagles hope to remain competitive despite being forced into making several changes before their first game due to injuries to top stars Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, and Sadiq Umar.
Musa told thenff.com after the pre-match press conference on Saturday that the Eagles had their eyes on the three points and fully focused on the task at hand.
He said, “It is always interesting to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. I was a champion in 2013, same as (defender Kenneth) Omeruo. However, the rest of the team want to have that feeling of what it means to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone is geared towards making a statement.
“It is not going to be a picnic. The teams in our group, including Equatorial Guinea that we play tomorrow, are strong and ambitious as well. It is for us to go all out for the three points in each of our games, and then take it from there in the knock-out rounds. We will take it one match at a time.”
Peseiro and his side have come under scathing criticisms following their performances in recent times, which has inspired little confidence among the country’s football-crazy fans back home of an imminent fourth AFCON title.
However, the Portuguese gaffer expressed confidence in his team, saying they could go “all the way” during their pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“I believe in my team. Every team has what you may call frail areas, but the important thing is for the players to play for one another. We are positive.
“It is a 90-minute affair and it is always about who wants a win most. I have a group that has determination and discipline, flair and steel, and we believe we can go all the way in this tournament,” Peseiro said.
The Nzalang Nacional’s biggest victory in 2023 was a 1-0 win over Tunisia in AFCON qualifying, giving them confidence in securing another shock victory against a Nigeria side whose competence has been questioned.
However, they are also aiming to continue the record of always qualifying from their group but Musa said the Eagles would fly above their foes.
“We are ready. This is a group that loves to compete, and we will give this match, and this competition generally, our very best,” he said.
This year’s final tournament is Nigeria’s 20th appearance, having debuted in 1963, and then appeared at the 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2021 finals.