Nigeria vs Angola: Jose Peseiro backs Zaidu Sanusi despite massive criticism from fans
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Jose Peseiro backs Zaidu Sanusi || Imago

Nigeria vs Angola: Jose Peseiro backs Zaidu Sanusi despite massive criticism from fans

Stephen Oladehinde 19:22 - 03.02.2024

Nigeria's thrilling journey in the Africa Cup of Nations continues as they secured their spot in the semifinals, edging out Angola in a nail-biting 1-0 victory.

Under the tactical guidance of Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles demonstrated resilience and team spirit, embodying the essence of African football's grandeur.

Peseiro's Vote of Confidence in Sanusi

Despite facing a wave of criticism for his performance, Zaidu Sanusi has found a staunch supporter in his coach, Jose Peseiro. 

The Nigerian left wingback, who plays his club football with Porto, has been under fire for not living up to expectations in offensive positions. Despite these criticisms, Peseiro praised Sanusi’s efforts in the recent clash against Angola.

“I think Zaidu Sanusi played well, but it is not easy playing fullback in this system because they must go in the other line [attack] and come in this line [defence],” Peseiro remarked as reported by Soccernet, highlighting the physical demands of the 3-4-3 formation on fullbacks. 

The coach acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining freshness and making accurate decisions under such conditions but was overall pleased with Sanusi’s improvement over previous matches.

Super Eagles' Collective Spirit and Semifinal Anticipation

Peseiro didn't just stop with Sanusi; he extended his commendation to the entire team, lauding their passion, desire, and commitment to the national cause. 

The Super Eagles' performance, according to Peseiro, is a testament to their fighting spirit, a crucial element in the challenging landscape of the AFCON tournament.

Peseiro in the dugout for Nigeria at AFCON |Photo Credit: Imago
Peseiro in the dugout for Nigeria at AFCON |Photo Credit: Imago

“All my players played well and I’m very happy with them. They deserve this. I want to do all for them because they do all for me, for the Super Eagles, and for the 200 million Nigerian people. 

"These players fight and fight and fight because this tournament is not easy,” Peseiro expressed, encapsulating the high stakes and the collective ambition of the team.

With the semifinals on the horizon, Nigeria is set to face either Cape Verde or South Africa, promising another exhilarating chapter in their AFCON campaign.

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