Super Eagles can win AFCON, says coach Peseiro

The Nigerian national team can capture a fourth Africa Cup of Nations trophy despite a difficult group, coach Jose Peseiro said in an interview on Monday.

Nigeria last won the AFCON title in 2013 in South Africa. This year, the tournament takes place in Ivory Coast starting January 14.

“We will fight to win the Africa Cup even though it won’t be easy,” Peseiro told NFF TV.

The Super Eagles face a tough first-round group with Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. The Ivorians have home-field advantage while Equatorial Guinea reached the quarterfinals last time.

“Our group is not easy because we are up against the Ivory Coast, who have a good squad and are playing at home,” the coach acknowledged.

Still, Peseiro is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances. “We have to be at our best in our training and our matches,” he said.

The Portuguese manager monitored over 70 players before selecting the final 25-man squad. “It was not easy to choose,” Peseiro admitted.

The Nigerian team gathers this week in Abu Dhabi for a training camp before the tournament. They kick off action on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea.

Despite the challenges, Peseiro believes Nigeria has the talent to win its fourth continental crown in Ivory Coast.