From our special correspondent in Abidjan – At a pre-match press conference, Ivory Coast and Nigeria left a very different impression before their meeting in the African Cup of Nations (CAN). If the host country, represented by coach Jean-Louis Gasset and captain Max-Alain Gradel, appeared sure of their strength, the Super Eagles, and in particular their coach José Pereiro, seemed less convincing, even confused.
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A football match is not won in a press conference. Fortunately for Nigeria, otherwise it would surely have already lost its decisive duel with Ivory Coast in Group A, before even setting foot on the lawn of the Ébimpé stadium, Thursday January 18.
Both teams need to win on Thursday, but for different reasons. The Elephants, as the host team, carry the hopes of an entire people, who dream of seeing them lift the African Cup trophy on February 11. Despite their comfortable victory against Guinea-Bissau in the opening match, defeat still seems forbidden. Opposite, Nigeria, which missed its entry into the running against Equatorial Guinea (1-1), could find itself in difficulty in the event of another poor performance.
Read alsoWithout forcing, Ivory Coast succeeds in its entry against Guinea-Bissau
In the orange, white and green amphitheater of the press center of the Palais de la Culture de Treichville, in Abidjan, the two delegations left radically opposed impressions on the journalists present. On the one hand, coach Jean-Louis Gasset and Ivorian captain Max-Alain Gradel appeared smiling and confident. On the other hand, José Peseiro and William Ekong looked defensive throughout. Paradoxical, when we know the stack of offensive talents of the Super Eagles in this CAN 2024.
Ivory Coast in control
An opposing attack line that Jean-Louis Gasset also praised: “On paper, it is the team with the most offensive individualities. Victor Osimhen is a real ‘Sir’ but we have our collective and we are going to impose an intense match on them,” he warned.
Read alsoVictor Osimhen, a Super Eagle in the firmament of African football
“We respect Nigeria but we are Ivory Coast. We are not afraid of anyone! We are confident,” added the experienced 36-year-old captain Max-Alain Gradel.
#CIVNIG Pre-match press conference: Max-Alain Gradel “We respect Nigeria but we are Ivory Coast, we are afraid of no one. We are confident.” #F24
— Romain Houeix (@RHoueix) January 17, 2024
The two men, like old football backpackers, strung together soothing words, calmly responding to criticism with diplomacy, in a style exercise halfway between verbal dribbling and wooden language.
The atmosphere in the stadium for the opening match? “There are efforts to be made at this level. We have to be patient with the supporters, it’s also our culture,” puts Max-Alain Gradel into perspective. “They have their role to play. If we do the right thing on the pitch, we will take them with us. (…) It’s a special moment to play the CAN at home, it’s really special to see the support when the bus goes through town. I hope we make everyone proud.”
Criticisms on the pitch? Jean-Louis Grasset reassures: “The pitch was a little dry when we started the match, probably because of the opening ceremony. We had to remove the utensils. Tomorrow, it will be in good condition and watered.”
José Peseiro in a hurry for it to end?
In comparison, the performance of the two representatives of Nigeria appeared much more confused, little helped, it is true, by the multiple sound system problems, recurring since the start of the competition. Captain William Ekong even came close to offering his help in operating the microphones.
The Super Eagles coach, for his part, quickly seemed exasperated by the questions, responding with a disarming “Did you see the first match? What would you do? Help me”, to a journalist who asked him what he intended to change compared to the draw against Equatorial Guinea.
No explanation for Umar Sadiq
José Peseiro’s weakness in English undoubtedly makes his remarks much less nuanced than if he spoke in his native language, but the press conference was filled with lunar moments, like his response to “the Umar Sadiq affair. The Nigerian striker, announced unavailable for the CAN, returned to Spain and is training well with Real Sociedad, with whom he is even called up to play this weekend.
“I don’t know either,” admits José Peseiro. “The medical report said 15 days of unavailability. The club wanted him to return for treatment. The player wanted to stay, but ultimately we decided to replace him. I’m just happy that he is recovering quickly…”
“We can’t please everyone”
José Peseiro may just be eager for this CAN 2024 to end, because he knows his days are numbered with Nigeria. As a reminder, the federation said just before the competition: “If we had the money (to pay his compensation), we would be ready to dismiss him from his functions, we are not happy.” Atmosphere…
In the meantime, the Portuguese wants to die with his ideas. To the obvious defensive shortcomings of his team, he responds that the best attack is defense and refuses any tactical change: “It’s not easy to play with the Nigeria jersey. Maybe the players were under pressure “We must call them to calm down. In previous matches, we created a lot of chances. We must not change, we must maintain our dynamic,” he declared.
Read alsoNigeria stumbles into Equatorial Guinea before clash against Ivory Coast
And to conclude: “We cannot please everyone. We do not want to change our DNA. I have faith in my process, my qualities. We deserved more. We must follow our style. God gives, God takes and Maybe God will give us the next game.”