Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has commended his players for the fight and resilience they showed after reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
The Portuguese is now one game away from ending the Super Eagles’ wait for a fourth continental crown after guiding them to beat South Africa in the semi-finals.
Peseiro’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time after William Troost-Ekong’s penalty was cancelled out by a late goal, also from the spot, by Teboho Mokoena.
Super Eagles reach first AFCON final in 10 years
The Super Eagles, however, turned out to be the better side during the ensuing shootout, which saw them coast to a 4-2 victory on penalties.
Although Ola Aina missed his kick, South Africa missed two of theirs too, with Stanley Nwabali saving the efforts of Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.
Nigeria would go on to book their place in the AFCON final for the first time since 2013, with Terem Moffi, Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Kelechi Iheanacho all scoring from the spot.
‘We deserve to be in AFCON final’
In the aftermath of the game, Peseiro was full of praise for his players, who put up a gallant performance over 120 minutes of action.
He also acknowledged the tireless output of Bafana Bafana, describing them as a difficult team and congratulating Hugo Broos for fashioning such a great team.
The Super Eagles boss, though, was quick to add that his side deserved to be in the final after how they played against South Africa.
“The players deserve to be in the finals, it’s a very good victory against a good team,” Peseiro said, as quoted by Soccernet.ng.
“I said it earlier that South Africa have the best of organisation because they play together, and they created more problems for us. It was very difficult to beat them.
“I think it was very difficult to beat them. Huge congratulations to Hugo Broos, who put this team together. They played well.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria will now face hosts Ivory Coast, who also beat DR Congo, in the final of the AFCON on Sunday, February 11, at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimbe.
