Super Eagles

Jose Peseiro explains how he picked Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 squad

By Nsidibe Akpan

Posted on January 2, 2024

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has explained the process behind picking the 25 players to represent Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has shed light on the criteria behind finalising the 25-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The squad announcement for this month’s AFCON was made on December 29, featuring returns from players like Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong, while the absences of Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers drew attention.

Initially anticipated as a 27-player squad, it was confirmed that only 25 players would represent Nigeria.

Peseiro, speaking on the selection process, outlined the qualities that influenced the final choices. “The NFF decided that it will go with 25, and I agreed because it is easy to manage this number,” he explained on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) TV.

“We first came up with 41 players, then the players who made the final list have been with us and they have shown good performance,” Peseiro added, emphasizing the assessment of players’ club and national team performances, current form, and physical condition in the decision-making process.

Acknowledging the challenge of selecting the final 25 from a pool of talented players, Peseiro expressed his hope that the chosen squad would perform well for Nigeria in the tournament.

Addressing concerns regarding the goalkeeping aspect, Peseiro mentioned Francis Uzoho among the selected goalkeepers but hinted at competition for the starting spot. Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United was brought in to provide added competition.

Peseiro explained, “He showed good qualities, good performance, and now I have to wait and hope he shows the same capacity and qualities in the Super Eagles because it is different when you play in the national team and club.”

Peseiro detailed the team’s plans for preparation, indicating a six-day training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aimed at refining tactics, enhancing speed, and adapting to the tournament’s dynamics.

In preparation for the AFCON, friendly games against Burkina Faso and Cape Verde are scheduled. Peseiro highlighted the purpose of these friendlies: evaluating player performance and introducing new strategies.

Expressing his ambitions for the Super Eagles, Peseiro set winning the AFCON as the primary objective. He acknowledged the challenges posed by other formidable teams in their group, particularly highlighting the strength of hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

Recognising the tough competition ahead, Jose Peseiro emphasised the need for unwavering focus throughout the tournament, highlighting the significance of every minute and second in each match for his team.