Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, has predicted a crucial game against host nation Côte d’Ivoire, maintaining that Nigeria must maintain compactness to secure a win on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists during a pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial second group match in Abidjan on Wednesday, Mr Peseiro said expectations were high going into the game.

“It would be a hard match against a very good team; we expect a full stadium, the expectation is a lot from us. We need to play a very good match to win,” the head coach told reporters.

Mr Peserio reiterated that the team need to improve on the “positive” game against Equatorial Guinea, maintain the attacking formation, compactness, defend well and take their chances to come out victorious tomorrow.

“I think it is very important to keep our way, our formation, play our way, defend well, maintain the team’s compactness as well as play well. When you play well you create opportunities, we demand commitment. We want to enjoy the game, not concede goals. If we can create chances like that in Guinea, we can expect goals,” the Portuguese said.

Answering questions about the availability of Yusuf Alhassan, who was stretched out during Eagles’ AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea, Mr Peseiro said the player would not be available on Thursday.

“For tomorrow’s match, Yusuf is not going to be available,” he said.