Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has conveyed his disappointment regarding the outcome of the match between his team and the Elephants of Equatorial Guinea on Sunday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast. Despite the anticipation surrounding the African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
Osimhen managed to level the score in the 38th minute of the first half with a well-timed header, responding swiftly after Iban Edu opened the scoring. The match concluded with both teams securing one point each, trailing the host nation by two points.
Expressing his dissatisfaction in a post-match interview, Peseiro stated, “I am not happy. This draw does not suit us. Our team created a lot of chances, but we did not score.” He emphasized the team's intention to secure a victory, highlighting the missed opportunities and asserting their deserving win over Equatorial Guinea.
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football, Peseiro commented, “If you draw and your opponent deserves a win, then you must accept it because I think we deserved to beat Equatorial Guinea, but sometimes these things happen in football.”
Despite his sadness about the result, Peseiro expressed satisfaction with the team's capacity to play. He emphasized the need for improved command and control of the game, effective attacking strategies, and enhanced finishing. Peseiro remained optimistic, stating, "I believe we can create fewer opportunities and score more.”
Providing an update on Alhassan Yusuf's injury, Peseiro acknowledged the player's commendable performance and expressed hope that the injury is not severe. Looking ahead, Nigeria will face the host, Ivory Coast, on Thursday in their second Group A game, a crucial match that the three-time African champions must win to enhance their chances of progressing to the next round.
