Nigeria Goalkeeping Coach to Al-Botola: "Bounou is Among Africa's Best Goalkeepers; Our Stay in Fes Was Excellent"

John Daniel Padovani, the Nigeria national team goalkeeping coach, spoke with Al-Botola about his experience at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He also took the opportunity to praise Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was decisive against Nigeria in the semi-final.

Asked about his technical assessment of this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, his third participation, Padovani stated: "This is my third AFCON. We are witnessing technical development, and I believe this is also due to the improving quality of infrastructure. It's also thanks to the quality of players who are increasingly competing in major tournaments and working with coaches who have real philosophies and projects. This allows for the implementation of genuine ideas, and this development is crucial for the African continent."

He added: "There are many good coaches in Africa, and many individuals who want to develop football in all these countries. So, I believe that over time, we will have more technical quality with real ideas and structures, enabling us to see major African nations perform even better."

When asked why Nigeria, which appeared strong and dominant before facing Morocco, showed a different performance against them, Padovani explained: "It's true that we had the opportunity to stay in Fes for our first four matches. After that, we played a big game against Algeria in Marrakech. What I'm about to say isn't to make excuses or anything like that, because this applies to everyone, but it's true that after the Algeria match in Marrakech, we had to return to Fes on Sunday, then leave the next day for Rabat. So, yes, this is very physically draining."

He continued: "Our game relies on very high pressing, a lot of aggression, and intensity, so it's true that this might have had an impact. Morocco certainly performed well and closed down our key players. So, I think overall, they deserved to win. But yes, if we look at what preceded it, there were some small logistical issues that cast a shadow over some players at a certain point. But as I said, the goal isn't to make excuses; it applied to everyone, and unfortunately, it might have worked against us at a specific moment."

Regarding Yassine Bounou's stellar performance during the penalty shootout against Morocco, Padovani commented: "Bounou is a goalkeeper who now has significant experience and has been playing at the highest level for a long time. So, naturally, he is among the best goalkeepers in Africa. He knows how to make saves at the right time to keep his team in the game. This comes with his experience and quality, which certainly make him a great asset for Morocco."

When asked about Bounou's "exceptional" saves, such as the final penalty against Nigeria, Padovani said: "Yes, he tried his luck on that penalty... Well, it's a bit strange... Unfortunately for us, and fortunately for them, but it's true that it's a somewhat peculiar situation when we rewatch it."

Reflecting on his month in Morocco and the organization compared to previous editions, Padovani stated: "As I told you, regarding the infrastructure and everything, we were in Fes and played our first four matches there; so, honestly, it was excellent. Whether it was the hotel or the training center, the situation was calm, which allowed us to stay in the same place. When we have to start traveling and moving between matches, some difficulties begin."

He elaborated: "After the match against Algeria in Marrakech, we had to return to Fes and then leave the next day for Rabat. So, perhaps it would have been better to go directly to Rabat to avoid the travel hassle. But in the end, this is the case for many teams, and it's part of the game."

Asked about the unfortunate events at the final and Senegal's withdrawal, Padovani responded: "Regarding what happened in the final, we participated in the tournament, and we have no desire to concern ourselves with what others do or say. For us, things went well, so we don't want to get into all of that. Everyone has their opinion and point of view, and that's the reality. That's all there is to it."