Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro says playing in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations was important and that he would like to win the title in his first attempt.
Peseiro’s charges will be up against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament decider at the Alassanne Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.
The Portuguese and his players have braced all odds to make it to the final of the competition after a difficult start.
The Portuguese, who is handling a national team in Africa for the first time, wants to lay his hands on the trophy.
“Playing a final is always important. This is my first AFCON. Some were saying it’s been special, and I can attest to that. The emotions in Africa are very special. All of this in my opinion, is a great way to learn and I would live to win it with the Nigerian team tomorrow,” said the gaffer at a press conference in Abidjan on Saturday.
“I learnt tremendously here. There is joy when you win but difficult when you lose so it is very important to find a balance. We have a great squad of players that really want to win this for Nigeria. Some are new-comers to the squad but have played in other competitions. Football brings a long of emotion, more than any sport and this is important for Nigeria.”