'Super Eagles were the best in the group stage' - Jose Peseiro on Nigeria's AFCON performance

Jose Peseiro has shared his thoughts on the performance of the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations which comes to a conclusion on Sunday, February 6.

Late December, the Nigeria Football Federation endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles following the end to the relationship with Gernot Rohr.

The Portuguese football tactician was expected to be in Cameroon to act the role of an observer but it is unclear if he was in attendance during Nigeria's matches at AFCON 2021.

With maximum nine points from their three group matches, Peseiro underlined that Nigeria were the best team in the group stage but added that the four semifinalists deserved their places.

The Super Eagles, who were installed as favorites to win their fourth AFCON title on the back of their performance in the group stage, went home early after suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the round of sixteen. 

In quotes relayed by King Fut, Peseiro said : "The Africa Cup of Nations is a very strong competition between strong teams, including Nigeria, who were the best in the group stage, but after all, the four strongest teams throughout the tournament have reached the semi-finals.

"Egypt didn’t do well against Nigeria, but after that, they showed their true abilities, their players gave a great performance against Morocco, they have what it takes to win the tournament."

Up next for the Super Eagles, they face regional rivals Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoff next month.

Igho Kingsley