Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Super Eagles, stated that his team will not be intimidated by the partisan home crowd at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium on Sunday.
Peseiro also expressed his confidence that his players will give their best efforts to win the trophy when they face the hosts in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
This will be the second time the three-time champions will be facing Cote d’Ivoire in the competition, having previously defeated the Elephants 1-0 in a group game last month.
Peseiro affirmed that his players are prepared to beat the hosts once again.
He said, “It’s a big game for us, it’s a final, we fought hard to be here. I’m happy for my team. We did a fantastic job, amazing job, we deserved to be in the final.”
“It’s going to be a tough game in a good stadium. It’s going to be a full stadium which will create a good atmosphere. I always prefer to play in a full stadium than an empty one. I believe this will show our commitment and capacity. My players must show the same desire and commitment on the pitch.”
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 6pm Nigeria time.
By Adeboye Amosu in Abidjan