Highlights from Nigeria's press conference ahead of first AFCON 2023 fixture

4 months ago

Here are key highlights from the Super Eagles of Nigeria's pre-match press conference ahead of the first AFCON 2023 fixture against Equatorial Guinea.

Ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria's first fixture in group A of AFCON 2023, a press conference session was organized today, Saturday, January 13, 2024, with the head coach and team captain both in attendance.

Here are key highlights from what was discussed at the press conference held in Abidan Ivory Coast:

The arrival of Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Moffi and Paul Onauchu in Nigeria's camp for AFCON 2023

Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach José Peseiro, spoke on the injury concerns of the team and also players who have been selected as replacements for those out of the squad due to injury. He revealed that amidst concerns as to whether Kelechi Iheanacho will be available for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Leicester City forward has landed in camp and might be part of the last training with the team before the fixture on Sunday, January 13, 2024.

He also revealed that Paul Onauchu who had been selected as the replacement for an inured Sadiq Umar has also arrived in camp ahead of the first game of the tournament.

José Peseiro however revealed that Terem Moffi the replacement for Victor Boniface is scheduled to arrive in camp today and could also be a part of the final training before kick-off on Sunday.

Salary and bonuses of Nigeria for AFCON 2023

José Peseiro when asked about concerns regarding his salary as well as the bonuses to be received from the competition, the head coach revealed that for now he and his players are not concerned about that but are rather focused on getting the result done on the pitch as matters of salary and bonuses can only come if Nigeria gets the job done at AFCON 2023.

He went further to state that he also does not share these discussions with the media amidst speculations of him not being paid by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Need for support from Nigerians ahead of AFCON 2023

The Super Eagles of Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa has requested the support of Nigerians at AFCON 2023 as the entire team and players are focused on not just playing in the competition but also qualifying for the finals and going on to win the title in Ivory Coast.

He goes on to add that he is looking forward to lifting the trophy for the second time most importantly as the captain of the National side this time around.

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