Nigeria booked their ticket to the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, but head coach Jose Peseiro is already urging his team to sharpen their attacking instincts if they want to lift the trophy.
“We have to be more clinical in front of goal because the slightest mistake will be fatal for us,” declared Peseiro, acknowledging the team’s entry into a critical stage of the competition, Footballrover reports.
The Super Eagles’ qualification came courtesy of an own goal by Guinea-Bissau defender Opa Sangante in the first half, but their performance left much to be desired.
IT'S A WRAP!
The Super Eagles grind out a win to secure a place in the knockouts.#GNBNGA | #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/3xofUlBbrv
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 22, 2024
Despite finishing second in Group A, Nigeria managed a paltry three goals in the group stage, two from open play and one penalty.
They also wasted a number of clear-cut chances, particularly in their opening encounters.
The Super Eagles’ next opponents will be the runners-up of Group C, which could be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon—all formidable teams with their own aspirations for the title.
To overcome these hurdles, Peseiro knows his team must improve their conversion rate.
The Super Eagles’ attacking deficiencies have been a cause for concern amongst Nigerian fans, who are desperate to see their team end their 11-year wait for AFCON glory.
Peseiro has assured them that he is working on addressing the issue.
The Super Eagles face a tough test in the Round of 16, and their AFCON 2023 dreams could be dashed if they don’t find their scoring boots soon.
But one thing is for sure: Nigeria will be a force to be reckoned with if they can click in an attack.
The Super Eagles are through to the #AFCON2023 knockout stage.
A Round of 16 tie with the runners up from Group C is up next. pic.twitter.com/ZNjpVZDfXr
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 22, 2024
The team’s attacking struggles can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of composure in front of goal, poor decision-making, and a lack of understanding between the attackers.
Peseiro will need to address these issues if the Super Eagles are to have any chance of lifting the AFCON 2023 trophy.
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