Peseiro reveals what went wrong in Super Eagles' loss, gives defiant response to sack claims

For the first time in six years, the Super Eagles lost at home in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Jose Peseiro-led side were beaten 1-0 by dark horses Guinea-Bissau at the National Stadium in Abuja on Friday evening. 

 The Portuguese football tactician had a big team talk to make at halftime as the three-time African champions were trailing 1-0.

In the second meeting between the two countries, Mama Balde scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 29th minute, picking a long ball behind the defense from Opa Sangante before slotting past Francis Uzoho.

Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes hardly had any sweat to wipe off as the Super Eagles strikers struggled to call him into action in the first half.

Victor Osimhen had the best chance to open the scoring in the 16th minute when he was picked out by Kelechi Iheanacho, but the Super Eagles number 9 saw his effort blocked. 

In the second half, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu came close to finding an equalizer but were unsuccessful. 

Discussing what went wrong for his side, Peseiro said the Super Eagles were unfortunate not to convert the chances that they created. 

"First of all congratulations to Guinea-Bissau. We missed many goals, we could have been here for another one hour and not score, sometimes it happens in football," Peseiro told reporters at the post-match press conference.

"I'm not happy of course, I am sad like my team but they did the maximum. We created many, many clear opportunities but it was a bad day. If we played in the way like we played today, we (are supposed to) beat Guinea-Bissau. 

"Guinea-Bissau were lucky and very bad luck for us. "

The Portuguese gave a defiant response when he was asked to react to speculation that he could be sacked. 

"I don't understand why I will be sacked. We are still in a position to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. In the first half we created many opportunities. 

"Of course, today, Osimhen, Moses, Ndidi and Osayi-Samuel could not score but I believe this team is much better than this result."

Peserio stressed that he has lost three straight games, not four, as Nigeria manager as he wasn't in the dugout in the national team's loss to Costa Rica in November. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com