Sports

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Unlucky Against Equatorial Guinea, says Peseiro

By Nurat Uthman

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro says his team was better than Equatorial Guinea’s opponents but was simply unlucky.

Peseiro made this known while reacting to Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

But beyond the slightly disappointing result, Peseiro said he is satisfied with the performance of his players.

We hoped to win this match, and we did everything to win.

He, however, expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to convert their chances at goal.

“I am not happy. I deserved to win; this draw doesn’t suit us.

“Our team created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score.

“We hope that we will score next time, even with fewer opportunities.

“We simply have to improve our finishing,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire for their second game.

The match scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe at 5 p.m. will be decisive for the Super Eagles, who have almost no room for error.

NAN reports that Nigeria is making its 20th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

They have won the tournament on three occasions (1980, 1994, and 2013) and reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations.

Nigeria were beaten finalists the last time the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was held in Côte d’Ivoire; they lost 3-1 against Cameroon in 1984.

NAN reports that this is Equatorial Guinea’s fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance, but it’s only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts.

They have so far always reached the knockout stages: quarterfinalists in 2012 and 2021, and 4th place in 2015. (NAN)

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