The Portuguese tactician engineered one of Nigeria’s most memorable wins at the continental championships
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro was delighted after guiding Nigeria to a crucial 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Peseiro had been the subject of severe criticism from fans and former internationals over the past few months for the team’s poor results and some of his controversial decisions.
Under Peseiro’s watch, the Super Eagles failed to beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
The former Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto manager also received knocks for putting together a Super Eagles team heavy on attackers and light on midfielders for the AFCON.
Peseiro then played into the hands of his critics when he led Nigeria to a surprise 2-0 friendly loss to Guinea on the eve of the AFCON and a disappointing 1-1 draw with lowly Equatorial Guinea in the tournament’s opening match.
However, when it mattered most, Peseiro reminded many of his tactical expertise as his Super Eagles side claimed a crucial victory over hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Expected to deploy a weakened 4-3-3 in the absence of the injured Alhassan Yusuf, Peseiro conjured an unusual 3-4-3, with Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi influential as wing-backs.
Ultimately, William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty was all the Super Eagles needed to secure Nigeria’s first-ever victory on Ivorian soil.
After the encounter, Peseiro was caught on video in the dressing room dancing his worries and troubles away as Nigeria’s AFCON ambitions received new life.
https://twitter.com/alao_seyi/status/1748068304307011762
Peseiro will next focus on Nigeria’s third group game against Guinea-Bissau, a team without a point yet at the tournament.
The Super Eagles know a victory over the Djurtus will likely seal Group A top spot for the three-time African champions.
