SUPER Eagles of Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro has said captain Ahmed Musa has an important place in the squad as they get set to face hosts Cote d’Ivoire tonight in the final of the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Musa, 31, has not played a single minute in the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire but Peseiro insists the AFCON 2013 winner is a valuable asset to him and the squad.
“Ahmed Musa is special and important to the team. He is my assistant, he advises me, he gives me the necessary support,” Peseiro said as he previewed the final.
“He is committed in his role and he can play. We shall wait and see tomorrow, but we want to win the AFCON for Musa to lift the trophy.”
Peseiro also had praise for Victor Osimhen, who has led the side’s attack in Cote d’Ivoire.
Although African Player of the Year Osimhen has scored only one goal in six AFCON 2023 matches, the Napoli striker’s hard work and tireless running have helped the team and he won two important penalties against Cote d’Ivoire in the group stages and South Africa in the semi-finals.
“Osimhen doesn’t play like he’s the star man. He works hard and suffers for the team.”
The final will kick off at 9pm tonight at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abijdan.
