Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is hoping to win his maiden international silverware as a coach with Nigeria in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final match against Ivory Coast.
Peseiro took control of the Super Eagles squad in June 2022 and he is a match away from securing the country’s fourth AFCON title.
Nigeria will face the host country, Ivory Coast at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in a re-match of the Group A fixture between both teams on January 17 that ended 1-0 in favour of Peseiro’s team.
During a press conference on Saturday, the Portuguese coach highlighted the importance of Sunday’s crunch fixture to him, his squad and Nigeria as a country.
Playing a final is always important. This is my first AFCON,” Peseiro said.
“Some were saying it’s been special, and I can attest to that. The emotions in Africa are very special. All of this in my opinion, is a great way to learn and I would live to win it with the Nigerian team tomorrow.”
Peseiro has won just two titles as a coach, back in 2012-13 when he helped Braga to the Portuguese League Cup triumph and in 2015-16 when Al Ahly claimed the Egyptian Premier League.
He also acknowledged his experience with his first major international football competition in Africa.
“I learnt tremendously here,” Peseiro added. “There is joy when you win but difficult when you lose so it is very important to find a balance.
“We have a great squad of players that really want to win this for Nigeria. Some are new-comers to the squad but have played in other competitions.
“Football brings a long of emotion, more than any sport and this is important for Nigeria.”
