The three-time champions have been tagged among the favourites to win the biggest prize on the continent
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has confirmed the presence of key players Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho at the team’s base in Cote d’Ivoire, setting the stage for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2023 clash on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho, recovering from a minor injury, missed the week-long training camp in the United Arab Emirates but has now joined the squad.
Onuachu, initially omitted from the 25-man squad, was called up as a replacement for the injured Umar Sadiq.
During the team’s last training match before facing Equatorial Guinea, Victor Osimhen was the sole center-forward in the absence of both Onuachu and Iheanacho.
Despite their late arrival, both Iheanacho and Onuachu are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament, even though they touched down less than 48 hours before the crucial opening match.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Abidjan and responding to inquiries about players yet to join the squad, Coach Peseiro affirmed the arrival of Iheanacho and Onuachu in Côte d’Ivoire, stating,
“I can confirm that Iheanacho and Onuachu arrived in Côte d’Ivoire around 4 am.”
He also indicated that Terem Moffi, replacing the injured Victor Boniface, is set to join the team on Sunday.
Ahead of the encounter with Equatorial Guinea, Peseiro conveyed optimism about the team’s readiness, labeling them as the “best offensive” unit in Africa.
The Portuguese tactician asserted,
“We have worked hard and are ready for the game against Equatorial Guinea.”
Team captain Ahmed Musa echoed this sentiment, emphasising the squad’s cohesion and preparedness for the tournament.
Acknowledging the pressure to perform well following less-than-convincing recent performances, Peseiro underscored that the AFCON presents a distinct challenge, expressing confidence in the team’s preparations for a strong showing in the tournament.
