WATCH: Peseiro’s victory dance after Nigeria’s win against hosts Cote d’Ivoire kicks their Afcon campaign into life

The Portuguese tactician ensured one of Nigeria’s most memorable victories in the continental championship

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peceiro is overjoyed after leading Nigeria to a decisive 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast in the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations, reports Soccernet.ng.

Peseiro has come under intense criticism from fans and former international players in recent months due to the team’s poor performance and some controversial decisions.

Under Peseiro’s leadership, the Super Eagles failed to beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.

The former Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto coach was also criticized for fielding a Super Eagles squad with more attackers and fewer midfielders heading into AFCON.

Peseiro then fell into the hands of his critics after leading Nigeria to a disastrous 2-0 friendly defeat to Guinea on the eve of AFCON and a disappointing 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the tournament’s opening game. .

But when it mattered most, Peseiro reminded many of his tactical genius as the Super Eagles side secured a decisive victory over hosts Ivory Coast.

Peseiro was expected to adopt a weakened 4-3-3 due to the absence of the injured Alhassan Yusuf, but this is unusual with Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi having an impact as full-backs. I came up with a 3-4-3.

In the end, William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty was all the Super Eagles needed to secure Nigeria’s first win on Ivorian soil.

After the match, Peseiro was caught on video dancing in the locker room, putting aside his fears and concerns as Nigeria’s AFCON ambitions were given new life.

Peseiro will next focus on Nigeria’s third group match against Guinea-Bissau, who are yet to pick up a point in the tournament.

The Super Eagles know that a win against Jultus will likely secure the three-time African champions the top spot in Group A.