Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro Explains Why Nigeria Lost to Guinea Ahead of AFCON

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria were defeated in a friendly against Guinea
• The defeat comes just days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations
• Coach Jose Peseiro explained why the three-time AFCON champions lost

The Super Eagles of Nigeria warmed up for the Africa Cup of Nations with a final international friendly against Guinea.

The three-time African champion, who had a day earlier decimated a local United Arab Emirates-based club 12-0, were expected to run riot over their West African counterpart, especially factoring in the quality of attacking talents at the disposal of the Super Eagles.

However, things appeared not to go the way many had hypothetically scripted as Nigeria fell behind to a goal from Atromito midfielder Aguibou Camara.

The lacklustre display of the Eagles was summed up when forward Moses Simon missed a penalty, which would have helped restore parity.

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Legend Tijani Babangida Sends Warning to Super Eagles Ahead of Tournament

Football

Nigeria’s fate on the night was sealed when debutant Facinet Conte doubled the score for the Syli Nationals with a sublime finish in the 64th minute.

Following the conclusion of the humiliating defeat, however, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has opened up on why his side lost to Guinea.

Peseiro on Nigeria's defeat to Guinea

The 63-year-old former Sporting CP manager highlighted the reasons for his side’s defeat to the media. Speaking to NFF TV, he stated:

“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.”

“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.”

Nevertheless, the manager concluded by expressing satisfaction with his team's overall performance that night, emphasising that he didn't field his strongest lineup.

Taribo West urges Nigeria to stick with current goalkeeper Uzoho

Football

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now redirect their attention to the upcoming AFCON, with their first match against Equatorial Guinea on the horizon.

Osimhen on Nigeria's AFCON chances

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted that Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has opened up on Nigeria’s chances of winning the AFCON.

The Napoli star stated it was pivotal for the team to shift focus and seal the highly-coveted AFCON crown.

The 25-year-old is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s charge to the title during the course of the tournament.