2023 AFCON: Eight things Peseiro must do to avoid defeat against Ivory Coast

A sturdy test awaits Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles look to get their AFCON 2023 campaign back on track against regional rivals Ivory Coast after sharing the spoils in their curtain raiser with Equatorial Guinea.

With little time to implement his vast tactical ideas, Peseiro must lean on his tactical acumen to outwit a familiar opponent.

Against familiar opposition with title ambitions, Peseiro must pull the right tactical strings both before and during match action if Nigeria hopes to take early pole position from this AFCON heavyweight bout.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at eighth strategic moves Peseiro must make to avoid opening AFCON defeat:

1. Suffocate Ivory Coast's wide threats

Whether deploying Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze or utilizing wingbacks, Peseiro must double up support to fullbacks to crowd out Ivory Coast danger men Jeremie Boga and Nicolas Pepe from isolated 1v1 situations.

2. Protect central midfield zone

In the absence of the energetic Alhassan Yusuf who is out due to a muscular sprain in his thigh, combative Frank Onyeka is Peseiro's best central shield to track attacking forays from Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana while covering space behind advancing fullbacks.

3. Isolate Ivory Coast's centre forward through the middle

Peseiro should install physical center-back combo of William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey to compete physically and aerially with  targetman Jean-Philippe Krasso. Cutting the supply line to the striker can blunt Ivory Coast's central threat. 

4. Control through build-up play

Despite boasting electric attackers, Peseiro must preach patience in possession, using his midfield trio to pull Ivory Coast from shape before penetrating rather than relying on pace upfront.

5. Give Osimhen freedom to roam and not just operate centrally

Instead of operating just centrally, Victor Osimhen should be keyed to attack the half spaces between Ivory Coast's fullbacks and center-backs where his speed and power can overwhelm as well as playing wider depending on the situation up front. 

6. Spin offense to opposite flanks 

To keep Ivory Coast stretched laterally, the Super Eagles must switch their point quickly, attacking down one wing before rapidly shifting to the

A combative approach is required all over the pitch so the likes of Onyeka and Iwobi must set the tone in competing physically before looking to outplay the Elephants.

8. Manage state of the game carefully

Should he obtain a lead, Peseiro can ill-afford to play on the back foot given Ivory Coast's speed on the counter.

However, if chasing the game, calculated risks must be taken while retaining defensive shape.

Ejim Kaycee

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