Peseiro says he wants best possible result against Portugal, defends Ronaldo

Nigeria manager Jose Pesiero spoke to the media in his homeland Portugal ahead of Thursday evening's international friendly.

The match, scheduled for Estádio José Alvalade, may shed some light on Portugal coach Fernando Santos' starting lineup against Ghana in their World Cup opener as the Black Stars and Super Eagles have a similar playing style. 

Peseiro will not be able to count on the services of in-form Napoli striker Victor Osimhen who has withdraw from the Super Eagles squad citing injury. 

Former Porto center back Chidozie Awaziem, Boavista fullback Bruno Onyemaechi, ex-Feirense midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and former Benfica right-back Tyronne Ebuehi are all available for selection. 

Although it's only a friendly, Pesiro stressed that he wants the best possible result against his country. 

"If we can't win, let's draw. If we can't draw, let's not lose by many. That's the goal," PesEiro said to Lisbon based radio station TSF.. 
 

The former Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto and Sporting Braga coach has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his professionalism and believes the Manchester United superstar will give everything for Portugal in Qatar. 

"I think that well conducted, well prepared, can be a moment of reinforcement. For now, because Cristiano is going to die for our national team.

"He always was. I think he was always one of those players who, at the right moment, never stopped coming, never had an injury to give up the selection, there were never moments when, even though we didn't need him, he wasn't there."

Pesiero has lost his first three friendly matches since his appointment as Nigeria coach, against Mexico, Ecuador and Algeria. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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