TheCable

Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, says the team must employ its maximum efforts to beat Angola in the quarter-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The coach spoke with journalists on Saturday after Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the competition’s second round.

An Ademola Lookman’s brace sent the Eagles past the Indomitable Lions and into a quarter-final clash against Angola.

Peseiro said the match against Angola “will be more difficult” than the Cameroon game, and the Super Eagles players must remain focused on the target.

He added that although Angola might not be among African football heavyweights, the Eagles must do their best to beat them.

“The next match will be more difficult than this one. I think my players know that. We are playing with a fantastic spirit now, but we must be focused on the target and train more before the next match,” Peseiro said.

“I told my players that for this tournament, you need efficacy. Do not suffer, but score your opponents. If they play that way, then we can beat Angola. We will need to do our maximum against Angola.

“The name of the country might not carry weight, but if we must beat Angola, then we must do our best.”

Nigeria will face Angola in the quarter-final on February 2 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, by 9 pm.