Angola goalkeeper Antonio Signori believes Nigeria can go all the way and claim a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Ivory Coast this month.
Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Friday to set up a last four clash with South Africa, and Signori says the Super Eagles’ organization will help them emerge victorious.
“The Nigerian team is one of the best teams in Africa,” Signori told Omasports exclusively in Ivory Coast. “The squad has very good players.
“Nigeria had more experience than us and I think they can win the tournament because they are well-organized. They have conceded one goal so far – that means the organization is very good.”
Signori took his place between the sticks for Angola from the last 16 after first choice goalkeeper Neblu was red-carded in their 3-0 win over Namibia.
The 29-year-old, who chose to play for Angola over Switzerland, says it was like a dream come true facing Nigeria and revealed he had studied the Super Eagles before their quarterfinal meeting.
“I wasn’t worried coming up against Victor Osimhen, I was excited. It’s like a dream to play these kind of games and it’s an achievement of ten years because I chose to play for Angola when I was 19 instead of Switzerland. So what I did was to focus on the game. I just watched the way Osimhen moved in the box and I did my placement for that.
“I watched all the movements of players before the game. I knew Moses (Simon) isn’t the guy that likes finishing, he likes to give the last pass. I knew Lookman likes to cross when he comes into the box. I had little tips of all the players just to help me.”
Nigeria will play for a place in the final when they face South Africa on Wednesday.