In today’s press conference, Coach Jose Peseiro and player Ola Aina addressed the media, providing insights into Nigeria’s preparation for the upcoming semifinal against South Africa.
Peseiro emphasized the team’s strong unity and organization, citing their commitment, sacrifice, and demand for excellence. Despite acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by South Africa, he expressed confidence in his players’ abilities to play at a high level.
Responding to questions about the opponent, Peseiro highlighted South Africa’s recent accomplishments, notably defeating Morocco, a team predominantly composed of European-based players. He downplayed the significance of the geographical location of players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared experience.
Ola Aina echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement for the upcoming game and emphasizing the team’s readiness for the challenge. When asked about Victor Osimhen’s potential participation, Peseiro addressed health concerns, stating that a final decision would be made after further evaluation.
The coach delved into his coaching philosophy, describing himself as a democratic coach who values players’ input. He stressed the importance of discipline and rules within the team while acknowledging the need for balance.
Peseiro’s approach resonated with Aina, who praised the coach for being hard on the players when necessary and lenient when appropriate, creating a conducive environment for player development.
