COACH of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro has said his team played a good game, created many chances and clear opportunities, especially in the second half, and therefore thinks the team deserved to win
The Super Eagles forced tiny Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A match, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire
Speaking during a post-match conference, Peseiro said, “I’m sad about the result but not with the capacity of our performance, We played a good game, we created many chances and clear opportunities, especially in the second half, and I think we deserved to win,” Peseiro told a press conference.
“If we keep up this dominance we will do well. Of course, I’m not happy we drew but if the other side deserved their point, then I’d be concerned.”
“Obviously we need to improve finishing but it is not as if the players meant to miss their chances,” the Nigeria coach added.
He also said the hot and humid conditions had taken a toll and the pressure from disgruntled home fans did not help. “It is not easy to wear the Super Eagles shirt,” Peseiro said.
Next up for Nigeria is a potential crunch game against hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday, where there would be a hostile atmosphere to deal with.
“But I think my players prefer to play in front of 60,000 rather than the 8,000 we had today.”
In 19 previous Cup of Nations finals appearances, Nigeria have only twice failed to advance past the first round but could face early elimination if they lose to the Ivorians.
Eighteen-Eleven Media