Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has revealed he mapped out the plan to stop Cote d’Ivoire during his team’s training tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Peseiro and his players spent one week in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The victory against the host nation was Nigeria’s first at the AFCON 2023 finals following their 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea last weekend.
The Super Eagles put up a spirited display for the entire duration of the game.
Centre-back William Troost-Ekong took the decisive penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the box
“I started thinking about how to approach this game when we were in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,” Peseiro told reporters after the game.
“Cote d’Ivoire is a strong team with good players, so we need to close down the space and defend very well.
“We know we have to work hard and not allow them play their football. The players did well to stick to our plan in the game.”