The goalie has been one of the standout performers at the tournament and has played a key role in the Super Eagles’ progress.
Stanley Nwabali is arguably the most influential player for the Nigeria national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old has featured in the six games played at the tournament and kept clean sheets in four of them. The goalkeeper emerged as the hero when Nigeria recorded a hard-fought victory over South Africa, saving two penalties. He has been displaying fine performances since he made his debut in 2021. He will be expected to continue with his startling displays when Nigeria play Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.
Peseiro is hoping to clinch the trophy with the Super Eagles in his first attempt and affirmed that his team is poised to record success in the tournament.
Speaking to Cafonline, Peseiro said:“Playing a final is always important. This is my first AFCON. Some were saying it’s been special, and I can attest to that. The emotions in Africa are very special. All of this in my opinion, is a great way to learn and I would live to win it with the Nigerian team tomorrow. I learnt tremendously here. There is joy when you win but difficult when you lose so it is very important to find a balance. We have a great squad of players that really want to win this for Nigeria. Some are new-comers to the squad but have played in other competitions. Football brings a long of emotion, more than any sport and this is important for Nigeria”
Peseiro also praised the contribution of one of the Super Eagles long-serving players, Ahmed Musa, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013 and hopes he can lift the trophy on Sunday.
Peseiro added: “Ahmed is much more than a player. He helps us a lot. He advises and informs me about many things. Up to now, he has done so many things. He has won the AFCON. He is the captain and I want to win the AFCON tomorrow so I can see Ahmed lift this cup.”
Musa has reinstated Peseiro’s wish to win the AFCON trophy and explained that the Super Eagles are battle-ready against the Elephants.
The 31-year-old said: “Ahmed is much more than a player. He helps us a lot. He advises and informs me about many things. Up to now, he has done so many things. He has won the AFCON. He is the captain and I want to win the AFCON tomorrow so I can see Ahmed lift this cup”.
