Nigeria vs Ecuador: Three observations from Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles starting eleven

The Portuguese tactician has retained the bulk of the team that fell to a 2-1 defeat to Mexico five days ago

Head coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled the eleven Super Eagles stars that will face Ecuador from kick-off in the international friendly at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, the United States.

Below is a closer look at the decisions the former Sporting Lisbon manager has made in his second match in charge of the three-time African champions

One enforced change

Coach Peseiro has stuck with the bulk of the players that started last Sunday’s encounter against Mexico, making just one change.

Only Lorient midfielder Innocent Bonke misses out has he failed to recover from the injury that he sustained in the first half of the tie against El Tri.

In his place comes Katsina United midfielder Faisal Sani who made a good impression from the bench in that faceoff.

Peseiro keeps his word on players who make mistakes

The new Super Eagles coach has made it clear he would bear the responsibility for the mistakes made by his players as he accepts they are not perfect.

The former Braga manager made good his word by sticking with stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong despite his second-half own-goal that condemned Nigeria to a narrow defeat in Texas.

Another Peseiro tactical blunder loading?

The Super Eagles filed out in a 5-3-2 formation in the first half of their matchup with Mexico and were dominated and outwitted.

Peseiro admitted afterwards that it was a tactical blunder, but he did not learn from that gaffe.

The coach’s lineup against Ecuador mirrors another 5-3-2, with three centre-backs, Chidozie Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, and Semi Ajayi, featuring prominently once again.

The team could, however, be adapted to play in a 4-2-2-2 formation, similar to that deployed in the second half against Mexico.