AFCON 2023: Pedro Golcaves shares optimism about Angola chances against Nigeria

Head coach of the Angola National team, Pedro Golcaves has expressed his ambitious goals for his side as they prepare for their quarterfinal clash against Nigeria on Friday.

The Super Eagles defeated Cameroon 2-0 while Angola defeated Namibia 3-0 to book a date with each other for a spot in the tournament’s semis.

The 47-year-old emphasized that reaching the quarter-finals places Angola among the top eight teams in Africa, aligning with his objective of positioning Angola within the continent’s ‘top 10’.

Despite recognizing the strengths of their opponents, Golcaves remains optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing as they set their sights on making a significant impact in the tournament.

“Whoever reaches the quarter-finals has to aim to go as far as possible, and the furthest possible is to reach the final and, obviously, propose themselves as a candidate for victory,” he told Lusa agency, as reported by A Bola.

“Nigeria is a colossus of African football, full of talented players, many of them playing in the Premier League or reference leagues in Europe.”

The Antelope will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals on Friday, 2nd February, at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan.