AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro wants more solidity from Nigeria defence vs South Africa

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team semi-final clash with South Africa, the head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro is expecting more from his players.

Ademola Lookman scored the winning goal as the three-time African champions pipped Angola in the quarter-final on Friday.

The win made it four straight victories after five games. Despite being a low-scoring side, the Nigerian side has conceded only a goal all through the tournament but Peseiro demands more from the attackers.

“Once again we played without conceding, and scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities,” Peseiro told journalists after the match.

“We are a quality team, Angola was very good but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient.

“We are missing some key creators like Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”

Peseiro’s side will meet South Africa in the semi final at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake on Wednesday. The winner of the tie will face either Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the final on February 11, 2024.