Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Super Eagles, has defended his strategic decisions amid the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The three-time champions showcased tactical versatility, shifting from a 4-3-3 formation in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea to a 3-4-3 setup against hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.
Despite scoring three goals in three matches, Peseiro emphasized that his primary obligation is to make decisions that benefit the team’s success. Speaking to reporters, he highlighted the importance of player belief in the chosen strategy, pointing out that winning is paramount, even if it means not scoring prolifically.
Drawing a parallel to Senegal’s performance in the last AFCON, where they didn’t score many goals in the group stage but eventually reached the final, Peseiro expressed a preference for a similar path. The Super Eagles will now face perennial rivals Cameroon in the Round of 16, aiming to continue their winning streak and advance further in the tournament.