During 2023, the Africa Cup of Nations was the scene of intense matches and impressive performances. One of the most anticipated matches pitted Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Angola. In a close match, the Super Eagles eventually won 1-0, but showed signs of physical fatigue at the end of the match.
Despite a performance below their previous matches in terms of Expected Goals (xG), the Super Eagles managed to contain the onslaught of Angola. Although the Angolans had two clear chances to score, the Nigerian team did not seem panicked and managed the game with confidence. Even when Angola hit the post on the hour mark, the Super Eagles’ confidence did not waver.
However, we could observe a certain fatigue among the Nigerian players as the match progressed. Some players, like Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen, looked exhausted and lacked energy. The stifling heat of the Ivory Coast certainly played a role in this decline in physical fitness. Although hydration breaks are provided during matches, the humidity and heat impacted players’ fitness, leading to an increase in goals in the second half.
This increased fatigue also highlighted the squad management choices of coach José Peseiro. Despite being able to select 27 players for the tournament, Peseiro opted for a squad of just 25 players. This voluntary restriction has raised questions, especially since certain players, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Bruno Onyemaechi, have been little used or even excluded from the team without a clear explanation.
Peseiro’s decision raises questions about his management of the team. While he claimed to have no problems with Iheanacho, the reality on the ground seems to contradict his statements. The player was used very little during this tournament, which leaves one perplexed as to the reasons for this sidelining.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s victory over Angola is a major breakthrough in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. However, signs of fatigue and squad management choices raise questions about the team’s ability to maintain its level of performance in future matches. It is essential that Peseiro adjusts his team management in order to preserve the physical condition of his players and maximize their performance on the pitch.