Jose Peseiro Goes Spiritual Following Super Eagles AFCON Draw Against Equatorial Guinea

• The Super Eagles kicked off their AFCON campaign with a draw against Equatorial Guinea
• The Nigerian National team were largely underwhelming for a huge part of the encounter
• Coach Jose Peseiro has made an interesting remark following the conclusion of the game

The Super Eagles of Nigeria did not have the dream start many anticipated they would at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The three-time Cup of Nations winners were held to a draw by their opponent on the night, Equatorial Guinea.

Jose Peseiro’s men, who headed into the fixture as favourites, saw themselves trailing against the run of play after Iban Salvador opened the scoring in the 36th minute off a beautiful pass from Jose Machin.

However, marquee forward Victor Osimhen ensured parity for the Super Eagles with a goal two minutes later.

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The rest of the match failed to offer much excitement, as both teams struggled to outshine each other and ultimately settled for a draw.

However, amid the flurry of reactions that have been meted out to the less-than-impressive showing of the Super Eagles, the words of the team gaffer, Peseiro, appear to have many relatively surprised.

Peseiro’s words after Nigeria’s draw

The 63-year-old, addressing the media following the lacklustre display from his side, touched on how unlucky they were not to secure the victory.

The former Sporting CP mentor stated, as reported by Leagues Reporter:

“I am sad, and the team is very sad.”

Peseiro surprised many journalists and fans with a philosophical statement, saying,

"But God gives, and God takes. Next games, God could give us."

The remarks from the Portuguese manager have triggered a flurry of reactions, with many emphasising doubts about his ability to guide the Super Eagles to AFCON glory.

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Despite the disappointing showing, Nigeria aims to put it behind them as they look forward to a clash against the host nation, the Ivory Coast, at the Alassane Ouattara on January 18.

Nigeria held by Equatorial Guinea

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a draw by the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The three-time Cup of Nations winners were largely underwhelming and were lucky enough to survive the first-half onslaught from the Central African nations.

Nigeria currently sits joint second in their group following the underwhelming showing.