Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro emphasized the need for the Super Eagles players to be more clinical in front of goal.
Three-time African champions Nigeria are on a poor run of form with three losses on the bounce, with the Portuguese in the dugout, and managed only one goal during that time, in a friendly against Algeria.
Against Guinea-Bissau in Abuja, Victor Osimhen came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, Paul Onuachu’s header sailed inches wide in the second half and Samuel Chukwueze missed two chances to equalize with curling shots.
Peseiro insisted that the Super Eagles outplayed the Djurtus on Friday but poor finishing cost them dearly.
“In the press conference after the first match, I gave my opinion about the match. After the video I saw yesterday I’m sure I spoke the truth,” Peseiro told reporters.
“Our team had a good game but lost many opportunities on Friday. Of course, Guinea-Bissau deserved to win because they scored, our team didn’t score, it’s our responsibility.
“We need to repeat our performance tomorrow, create the same opportunities but of course with more efficiency.
“We need to score more times because it’s not normal a team like us missed goals like we missed against Guinea-Bissau in the first game.
“We deserved much more in the match, we attacked every time. Second half we were on the offensive, even in the box, how many chances, how many shots, we didn’t score but it’s better you create opportunities.
“I want my team to repeat the same but there are some mistakes we need to avoid.”
Nigeria, second in Group A of AFCON qualifying with six points, will return to the top of the table with a win against Guinea-Bissau at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Monday evening.
