On Sunday, February 11, Nigeria will take to the field to play Cotê d’Ivoire in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
This will be Nigeria’s eight final in the history of the competition with three wins to their credit.
Portuguese trainer, José Peseiro led the Super Eagles to their eighth final after a penalty shootout win over South Africa.
CafOnline.com throws more light on how the journey has been for Peseiro.
Appointment
José Peseiro was appointed two years ago as the head coach of the Nigerian national team after they failed to qualify to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Struggles
The NFF maintained their faith in Peseiro when the country was struggling to get results months into his appointment.
He went about his duty even when the fans had lost trust in him.
The success story
The Portuguese built a solid Nigerian side which is difficult to beat by blending young players with the experience in the set up.
One of the key things he did to improve the Nigeria squad was the introduction of Stanley Nwabili into the set up.
Two years on, Nigeria are in the finals with the best defensive unit having conceded just two goals throughout the competition.
It’s Nigeria’s first final in the last decade and there has been massive improvement within the team.
