Nigerian national team manager Jose Peseiro has admitted that only divine help can aid Nigeria’s chances against 2023 Africa Cup of Nations host Ivory Coast in their upcoming match.
Peseiro is worried after Nigeria only managed a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Nigeria faces an extremely tough task against the star-studded host side in a decisive Group A clash later this week.
Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON campaign started shakily when they were held to a draw by Equatorial Guinea. Iban Salvador shocked Nigeria by opening the scoring for Equatorial Guinea after 36 minutes.
However, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen linked up effectively to equalize and ensure Nigeria split points with their less fancied opponent.
After the game, a dejected Peseiro resorted to invoking divine intervention, telling media that Nigeria’s fate is now in God’s hands. “I am sad, the players are also sad, but God gives, and God takes,” Peseiro said. “Next game, God could give us,” he added.
Nigeria and Ivory Coast will reignite their rivalry when they clash in the pivotal encounter on Thursday.
While the Ivorians will aim to become the first team to advance from Group A after beating Guinea-Bissau, Peseiro’s Super Eagles will look to revive their AFCON 2023 hopes with a much-needed win against the hosts.
