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The Super Eagles of Nigeria stunned AFCON hosts Ivory Coast, sealing an impressive 1-0 win to blow Group A wide open.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro made some mistakes in theAFCON 2023 opener against Equatorial Guinea but made up for it with crucial changes as Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast.
Here are some of the tactical changes Peseiro made.
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20:06 - 18.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles make history as they beat Ivory Coast to keep title hopes alive
The Super Eagles announced themselves as major contenders for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating hosts Ivory Coast with a superb defensive performance
1 . Peseiro Switched to 3-4-3
Peseiro ditched the ineffective 4-3-3 for a more compact 3-4-3 formation, surprising the Ivorians who had no way of getting through.
The system helped Victor Osimhen in particular, as he was flanked by Chukwueze and Lookman and the Napoli man was at his destructive best throughout, winning the decisive penalty that led to Nigeria’s winner.
2. Giving Ola Aina greater attacking responsibility
Ola Aina was one of the best players on the pitch and he benefited greatly from being allowed to play higher up the pitch.
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The system deployed by Peseiro brought out the best in the Nottingham Forest defender, as he bombed down the right flank causing serious problems for the Ivorians and limiting Konan's impact.
3. Introduction of Calvin Bassey
The team lacked a progressive and assertive defender and Peseiro's decision to introduce Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was an informed one.
Bassey was also extremely effective at shutting down the right side of the Ivory Coast attack and brought the ball forward expertly to give the Super Eagles a new dimension and more solidity defensively.
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