National Teams
AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro speaks on ultimate semi-final goal against South Africa

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Jose Peseiro is focusing on beating South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday.
The two teams will be meeting in the semi-final of AFCON for the second time in Bouake as the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana 2-0 in the semi-final of AFCON 2000 in Lagos as Cameroon won the title.
The Portuguese manager is eager to ensure Nigeria maintain its dominance over South Africa at the tournament.
“Our goal will be to beat a big team like South Africa to reach the final,” Peseiro told journalists during the pre-match press conference in Bouake on Tuesday.
“Until now, we have shown good spirit, good organisation, high standards, commitment, and sacrifice, and we play like a team.
“For the moment, I cannot answer you because we are talking about Victor Osimhen’s health. This afternoon I will be able to find out if he can play or not.”
With three titles to their name, Nigeria will hope to win the trophy for the fourth time in Abidjan come February 11, 2024.
Standing on their path are South Africa and either host, Cote D’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should they reach the final.