AFCON 2023: “We didn’t show the first eleven”- Peseiro says after Super Eagles’ loss to Guinea

Nigeria failed to beat Guinea, but coach Jose Peseiro is satisfied with the result

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has stated expressed elation following their 2-0 loss to Guinea in their Africa Cup of Nations preparatory fixture, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ahead of the AFCON, which begins in Ivory Coast on Saturday, the Super Eagles locked horns with Guinea on Monday. Coach Jose Peseiro named a strong starting lineup, albeit stars like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.

Nigeria dominated the first half, but they conceded a goal courtesy of Aguibou Camara. The Super Eagles had many chances to score, but they fluffed their lines. Even Moses Simon missed a penalty kick.

In the second half, Facinet Conte struck again to make it two and seal the victory for Guinea. But despite Nigeria’s loss, Peseiro insists that he is happy.

“We tested the new 3-4-3 system today. We had a very good first half. Of course, we were losing 1-0, but we deserved more,” Peseiro told NFF TV per G.O.A.T.

“We got a penalty and one or two clear chances. The second half was more balanced between the teams. When you play against teams with good speed and good counter-attacks, it is not easy; you lose the balance in midfield, and I changed to 4-3-3.

They got three or four situations in the counter-attack. Even if they got the second goal, I’m very happy because I changed the team; I didn’t play all the players. I tried to manage the team, and I didn’t show the first eleven; I showed two first elevens. I am happy.”

The Super Eagles will look to learn from their loss and effect changes at the AFCON. The Super Eagles begin their campaign on January 14 with a fixture against Equatorial Guinea.