Posted by The Super Eagles have already confirmed their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next year.
The three-time African winners enter the game leading Group A with 12 points.
Nigeria leads Guinea-Bissau by two points, and they host Sierra Leone in their final match.
The game at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is likewise likely to be a walkover, with Jose Peseiro’s team thrashing the True Patriots 10-0 in the reverse fixture.
Peseiro himself only found out this week that he will keep his job.
The 63-year-old signed a new contract with reduced terms that will expire at the conclusion of the AFCON.
Telema Davies, Strategy Consultant and Coordinating Secretary at Sport Nigeria LTD/GTE, has expressed mixed feelings about his reappointment.
“A significant metric to justify Jose Peseiro’s reappointment is the term of reference (details of his contract) for which he was appointed initially, and which informed his reapportionment,” Davies informs the BANKPAWA
“At all times, we must refer to his Terms of Reference to provide the foundation for providing feedback on his performance as coach of Nigeria’s most recognizable national team brand, the Super Eagles.”
“Prior to his reapportionment, Peseiro had overseen seven games in which he only won two (approximately 28% win), which appears to be a low turnover rate.”
“What factors influence his reappointment?” It’s difficult to justify the reasoning, but he’s won the job, and we’ll keep a watch on how far he progresses with the senior men’s national team, with AFCON qualification being the immediate focus.
“Results are the name of the game; Peseiro needs good results to win the interest and support of Nigerians, not just the NFF, his direct employers.”
So, in essence, Peseiro can count this Sao Tome match as one of his AFCON preparation games.
Before the competition, there will only be one more international break.
What can we anticipate?
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve been struggling with teams against which we should have been decisive in producing convincing wins,” Davies remarked.
“The Super Eagles must win before the AFCON in Cotê d’Ivoire.”
“Peseiro has to be bullish in demanding nothing less than a convincing win from the Super Eagles and should make it clear, through his decisions and actions, that there will be no room for complacency,” he continued.
It is hardly unexpected that Peseiro has invited all of the top Nigerian attackers currently playing in Europe.
Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, Gift Orban of Gent, and Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest have all reported to camp.
They have already scored 12 goals between them this season.
Peseiro, who is quite familiar with Osimhen and Awoniyi, may want to use the game to get a better look at Boniface and Orban.
“We are truly fortunate to have the kind of talent we have in recent years, both established and emerging.”
“I’m especially excited about Taiwo Awoniyi’s continued rise on the global stage, as well as the dynamics he brings to the team.”
“Our frontline is an exciting prospect for the future, but I believe the focus will be on our midfield’s wealth, skill, depth, and creativity.”
“You can’t have an absolute and terrifying striking department without a midfield that ensures the right play between defense and attack.”
“We have to get the balance, shape, press, and supply right to come out on top,” Davies continued.