Peseiro to hold talks with misfiring forwards, reels out statistics to prove Super Eagles dominated Crocodiles
Published: November 17, 2023Jose Peseiro has defended the performance of his attack-minded players during the frustrating 1-1 draw against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Despite being on the defensive, it was the Southern African nation that broke the deadlock through Motlomelo Mkhwanazi ten minutes into the second half, but Semi Ajayi of all people, with his first international goal, salvaged a draw for the three-time African champions.
Nigeria paid the consequences for missing a host of chances, with Jamilu Collins, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface failing to find the net when presented with clear-cut opportunities.
A disappointed Peseiro reeled out statistics to prove that his team dominated the game and namechecked Iheanacho, Lookman, Awoniyi and Victor Boniface as he admitted that his forward players were not clinical in front of goal.
"76 percent of the ball possession against 24 percent. We had many opportunities to score, the opponents had two shots on goal and scored one goal," Peserio told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"I am sad of course, I'm not happy, disappointed also but my team tried to do the maximum. I'm sad because of the result but about the performance, the other team stayed in the back ninety minutes, went in front three or four times."
Peseiro will be having a chat with the players ahead of their next game against Zimbabwe in order to improve their fortunes in front of goal.
"Today we created, Boniface with two or three times with the head, Taiwo, other players Kelechi, Ade also, many situations. What I can do is to speak with my guys to be more concentrated and focused for finishing.
"In the first half we played with tranquility, in the last twenty minutes of the second half we played normally because the team wanted to score."
Peseiro could not count on the services of his marquee striker Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty last month.
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
- Man Utd pushing to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Nigerian central defender
- Cyriel Dessers' 22nd goal of the season helps Rangers delay Celtic's title party
- U18 PL national final: George bags assist but Chelsea miss out on UYL spot after loss to Man Utd
- 'He needs to respect Finidi' - Ex-Nigeria GK on appointment of Amokachi as Super Eagles assistant coach
- Crystal Palace's youngest-ever PL player David Ozoh reveals his Nigerian dad supports Man Utd
- Goztepe chief open to transfers with Southampton amid links with Paul Onuachu
- Chelsea close to agreeing personal terms with 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner
- Super Eagles hopeful to end fourteen-year association with Arsenal in the summer transfer window
- Ex-Super Eagles invitee joins Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur stars in BBC's PL TOTW
- Super Eagles injury curse gets worse: After Onyemaechi and Chukwueze, Osimhen suffers same fate
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football