How I plotted Cote d’Ivoire’s defeat from the first day — Jose Peseiro reveals

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has disclosed how he plotted to thwart whatever Cote d’Ivoire were going to throw at his team during the team’s training tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Nigerian squad spent a week in Abu Dhabi for intensive preparations ahead of the continental tournament.

Nigeria’s triumph against the host nation marked a significant achievement, representing their first win at the AFCON 2023 finals. This victory came on the heels of a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the previous weekend.

Throughout the game against Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles displayed a spirited performance, showcasing their determination on the field.

The turning point came when centre-back William Troost-Ekong confidently converted a decisive penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the box.

Reflecting on the strategic approach, Coach Jose Peseiro shared insights with reporters after the game.

“I started thinking about how to approach this game when we were in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,” he stated.

Recognizing the strength of Cote d’Ivoire as a formidable team with skilled players, Peseiro emphasized the need to close down space and maintain a solid defense.

“Our focus was on working hard and not allowing them to play their football. The players executed the plan effectively during the game,” Peseiro added, praising the team’s adherence to the devised strategy.