In the run-up to the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash against Cameroon on Saturday, Nigeria’s head coach, José Peseiro, likened his team’s scarcity of goals in the tournament to a bottle of ketchup, expressing hope that they might pour in all at once in the upcoming match.
The Super Eagles, equipped with the talents of African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and dynamic wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, have managed to score just one goal in each of their three group-stage matches, raising concerns among fans and pundits alike.
Napoli star Osimhen, in particular, has faced a frustrating tournament, missing several promising chances. While he did score in the opening match against Equatorial Guinea, his overall performance has been below expectations, with only two of his six shots finding the target in the tournament so far.
Speaking about the team’s performance, Peseiro defended their approach, stating, “If you create opportunity, I cannot change our model, our game.” He expressed confidence that the goals would come, comparing it to the delayed flow of ketchup, saying, “It’s possible, in the next match or another match, that all the goals can come with less opportunities.”
Osimhen’s 13 shots and four clear chances are the highest for any Nigerian player at the tournament, but Cameroon’s Georges-Kévin Nkoudou leads in creating opportunities for teammates, amassing a total of 10.
Cameroon, coached by Rigobert Song, faces defensive concerns after conceding six goals in Group C. Song, reflecting on their performance, emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “Everything wasn’t perfect, and you have to improve every day.”
The Indomitable Lions’ coach faces a goalkeeper dilemma, having dropped Manchester United’s André Onana in favor of Fabrice Ondoa for the last group match. Song praised both keepers, highlighting the competitiveness within the team and expressing confidence in his squad.
Notably, Cameroon will compete in the same stadium where they secured their first of five Africa Cup titles in 1984 by defeating Nigeria 3-1. The historic rivalry has seen both teams face off in the tournament’s final twice before, in 1988 and 2000, with Cameroon emerging victorious on both occasions.
