Ahead of the big clash against South Africa in the 2023 Africa cup of Nations semi finals, Jose Peseiro was joined by defender Ola Aina to speak to the press on Tuesday.
The pre match press conference was held at the Stade de Bouake had Peseiro and Ola answer questions surrounding the team and the AFCON 2023.
On how excited they are to get to the semifinals?
Jose Peseiro says he is very much excited to get to the last four. “My team has worked well, played in a very organised manner and we have been very solid in the tournament, so I am very excited.”
The gaffer has now met the target set for him by the Nigeria Football Federation, which is to get to the semifinals of the AFCON.
The Portuguese went ahead to say that “we want to go ahead to ebay South Africa and get to the final. My team has the capacity and the quality and we must remain 100% focused to do that.”
Ola Aina said he is “very excited to be in the team and the last four.”
On Osimhen’s absence
When quizzed about the information on Osimhen, Jose said he “can’t give any concrete information at the moment since it is a health issue. He will only have proper information on the player by evening.”
On South African players being used to African football?
Majority of the South African players play in the South African PSL and other African leagues, the gaffer was asked if he feels this is an advantage for the Bafana Bafana.
Jose said he “does not believe so.” He further went ahead to say “98% of the Moroccan team were African based players and were beaten as well.”
“What matters is how organised and compact we can remain and when we choose our moments to do the right things in the game. That is what matters.”
On the importance of the game…
Ola Aina said “the game is important to us all; the fans, Nigerians and the team. Hopefully we can get the result everyone wants, enjoy the football as we have in this tournament.”
On being favourites in the tournament..
Jose said “no, we don’t want to put that on our head.”
“The talks will be done on the pitch, my team and I are only focusing on going to the pitch to do our best. It is a team sport.”
Victor Osimhen did not travel with the team yesterday due to abdominal discomfort but if passed fit, he will join the team in Bouake. Nigeria play South Africa on Wednesday by 6pm Nigerian time.
Top Photo: Pooja Media