In a post-match statement, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro expressed his disappointment with the outcome of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Despite asserting that his team was superior to their opponents, Peseiro attributed the result to sheer bad luck.
“We hoped to win this match and we did everything to win,” said Peseiro, highlighting his team’s efforts. However, the coach lamented his team’s inability to convert goal-scoring opportunities, stating, “I am not happy. I deserved to win; this draw doesn’t suit us.”
Peseiro acknowledged the numerous chances created by the Super Eagles but stressed the need for improvement in finishing. “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 emphasized.
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles are gearing up for a crucial encounter against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe at 5 p.m. The match is deemed decisive for the Nigerian team, leaving little room for error.
Nigeria, making their 20th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, boasts a rich history in the tournament, having clinched the title three times (1980, 1994, 2013) and consistently reaching the semifinals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations.
In contrast, Equatorial Guinea, making their fourth AFCON appearance, has qualified as non-hosts for the second time. Their previous appearances in 2012 and 2021 saw them reaching the quarter-finals and securing fourth place in 2015.
As the Super Eagles aim to rebound from the draw and secure a vital win against Côte d’Ivoire, football enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama in the quest for AFCON glory.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
