Jose Peseiro SUPER EAGLES BOSS
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro says his team were better than their opponents, Equatorial Guinea but were simply unlucky hence the match ended in a draw.
But this pots-match talk shows a manager so clueless as he failed to acknowledge the lack of cohesion in his team.
Eagles were good individually but poor as a team and could not retain the ball for one minute without losing it to Equatorial Guinea who showed more hanger and team spirit.
Nigeria is noted globally for her robust style with holding and talented midfielders always running and controlling every match even when the team is losing or under pressure. That style is lacking in Peseiro’s team.
But beyond the slightly disappointing result, Peseiro said he is satisfied with the performance of his players.
“We hoped to win this match and we did everything to win.
He however expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to convert their chances at goal.
“I am not happy. I deserved to win, this draw doesn’t suit us.
“Our team created a lot of chances but we didn’t score.
“We hope that next time, even with fewer opportunities, we will score.
“We simply have to improve our finishing,” he said.
Super Eagles will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire for their second game a match they must not lose.
The match scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe at 5 p.m. will be decisive for the Super Eagles, who have almost no room for error.
Nigeria are making their 20th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
They have won the tournament on three occasions (1980, 1994, 2013) and reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations.
Nigeria were beaten finalists the last time the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was held in Côte d’Ivoire, they lost 3-1 against Cameroon in 1984.
This is Equatorial Guinea’s fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance, but it’s only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts.
