Jose Peseiro defends players again, fingers Abuja pitch, officials

Nigeria Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has continued to defend the performance of his team in the defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Friday.

Peseiro told Pulse Sports Nigeria during his pre-match press conference in Bissau that he was right to have defended the players after the game in Abuja.

The Super Eagles suffered a narrow and shocking 1-0 defeat to their visitors Guinea-Bissau during the AFCON 2023 qualifier on Friday at the MKO Abiola International stadium.

It was Peseiro’s second home game since he took reigns as Super Eagles coach but it ended in heartbreak, the fifth defeat in seven matches under the Portuguese manager.

Despite the latest defeat, Super Eagles Peseiro has continued to defend his galaxy of stars who he has credited for creating enough changes.

According to the former FC Porto manager, the Nigeria Super Eagles deserved more from the game against Guinea-Bissau as they played better than in the record-breaking win over Sao Tome and Principe.

“Everyone complained before about one team not producing the attack, we produced the attack,” Peseiro told Pulse Sports.

“For that match (vs Sao Tome) we played better this match (vs Guinea-Bissau) than the record against Sao Tome, 10-0.”

“Even, we created more opportunities (vs Guinea-Bissau) but of course, we were unlucky (not to score).”

Speaking further ahead of the game on Monday, Peseiro added that he wants to see the Super Eagles repeat the performance in Abuja but with better finishing.

According to him, despite the poor pitch and officiating, which nobody has questioned, the Super Eagles have the quality to finish better than in the first leg in Abuja.

“I don't believe our players (can't score), they have the quality to finish better,” he added.

“I can't speak of the pitch, the pitch didn't help us, it didn't help us. If you see the video, if you come with me and see the video, many times you try to shoot but the ball isn't going. It's the truth, not a lie and I am not excusing my players.”

“Of course, for them, you need more concentration, you need more focus for the finishing and give in the finishing.”