Super Eagles better than their opponents, says Peseiro

Nigeria’s Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro attends a press conference at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan on January 13, 2024 on th eve of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 football match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro says his team were better than their opponents, Equatorial Guinea, but were simply unlucky.

Peseiro made this known while reacting to Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire, for their second game.

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.

NAN reports that 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.

NAN reports that this is Equatorial Guinea’s fourth CAF Africa