Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro says his side must strive to convert their chances in subsequent games.
The three-time African champions were wasteful in their 1-1 draw with the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen and left-back Zaidu Sanusi missed good chances for the Super Eagles in the game.
Peseiro admitted that his side must improve on their finishing in subsequent games.
“We deserved to win this game because we created many chances,” the Portuguese gaffer said after the game.
“We therefore need to improve on our finishing.”
Peseiro also said the harsh weather condition made things difficult for his players.
“It’s not easy to play under these conditions,”added the former Saudi Arabia and Venezuela coach.
“We couldn’t press as we should because of the heat.
“We need to manage our energy.”
The Super Eagles will take on hosts Cote d’Ivoire in their next game
By Adeboye Amosu in Abidjan
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf
38 Comments
Fraud you have arranged your excuses long ago because I saw these new just few days ago that you’ll not use weather as excuses. 4 games in a row no win this was exactly why Saudi and Venezuela sacked you. A good that does have the guts to sharpen his players. Excuses are for average people!!!
Story for the gods
The fact that Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper was voted man on the match speaks volumes. Other than Super Eagles’ wastefulness, that goalkeeper was simply unplayable. His starting position and commanding demeanour unsettled our players.
Peseiro has got Super Eagles carving out copious goals scoring opportunities. He now somehow has to unlock their finishing acumen.
Zaidu could easily have scored 2 goals.
Aina could have scored 1.
Yusuf has 1 glorious opportunity.
Osimhen had 4 more presentable chances.
Onuachu got in on the missed chance act.
Chukwueze failed to locate players in promising positions.
Iwobi had an effort saved.
Wow!
I hope wastefulness won’t be the Super Eagles’ greatest undoing in this tournament.
The keeper wasn’t unplayable, except we watched different games. All the saves he made were down to poor finishing technique. I’m currently watching Senegal vs Gambia; their two goals (so far) were very clinical. Did you see how calm Equitorial Guinea’s goal looked? It looked easy because the guy simply did basic ‘accuracy before power’. Our strikers would’ve blazed that same ball into stands! Our forward must work on their finishing or return home after the next two games. I won’t blame the coach much. We had the chances to win.
Lamine Camara of Senegal just scored a screamer against Gambia. That’s what I’m talking about, ‘accuracy before power’!
Osimhen exposed himself yesterday… He has been made to walk and play like a god, meanwhile he does not come close to players we have had in the national team in time past. These young players should always be reminded that the summit is still a long way up. Boniface has been embarrassing twice on social media… first with the social media post last year after collecting some award from UEFA saying something like “Aboki go think say this one na fake” then following it up with that stupid skit handing out a bundle of foreign currency to a young Nigeria, retrieving it and asking the guy to go hustle, after giving him a boot and jersey, a skit which showed him as being loud about his money,less than a month later his village people gave him a lesson to be humble and discreet, sending him home with an injury from AFCON camp. Osimhen own is social media distraction, answering every fool who threw a jibe his way. Imagine Paul Onuachu missing all those chances Osimhen had yesterday… When we kept saying take real ball players they refuse to heed, take players with a nose and eye for goal they will rather say experience… What’s the use of experience in players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Chukwueze Samuel in that team? These players never come to party… nothing extra to ever expect from them. Ahmed Musa an old fool that continue to allow himself get humiliated for inactivity rather than quit, since he is never getting involved yet continue to make Eagles squad… he shamelessly used politics back into the team taking the spot of player like Nathan Tella. We were allowed 27players but NFF will rather take 25players on advise about size management from the toad Peseiro who never wins games… that team shd have a Leon Balogun, Chuba Akpom and Nathan Tella. Who knows if Iheanacho will even be fit enough for any game at all.
Lastly… The whole Super Eagles management (coaches & NFF) have been exposed with the performance of a player like Alhassan Yusuf who wasn’t initially considered good enough for the squad. You don’t call up players to camp for them to show you what they can do… how will you ever know the worth and stuff of such players. After this AFCON I think it will be clear that the likes of Iwobi, Chukwueze and others who are largely average and overhyped should make way for other real and efficient payers with more to offer… Obinna Nwobodo is a top 5 MLS central midfielder…coaches like Manu Garba have even advised that Ifeanyi Matthew has what it takes to solve our creativity issue in midfield yet they won’t ever give those players a chance because of tribal sentiments as some people will feel the team is dominated by Igbos as if real ball fans care if all starting eleven are from the same parents. We dey for sidon look…
We have all been screaming about the midfield for over two years and yet no one listened. Iwobi and Aribo are not natural midfielders. A midfielder must have at least 3 attributes; ability to tackle, ability to play good passes, and ability to hold onto the ball. Iwobi can pass but he can’t tackle and he can’t hold the ball in a crowded midfield. Aribo can hold the ball but his passing and tackling are nothing to write about.
The reason is these players are not natural midfielders, they are wingers who have converted to playing in midfield. Iwobi tries to play a midfield marshalling role in SE that he does not have the skill set to play, and Aribo, wearing the number 10, is an injustice as he is no playmaker. I’m sorry but these guys have a higher opinion of their talents than the reality or they have a low opinion of the SE standard of play.
The defensive midfielders have all been ruined by the premier league, in that they have fixed roles at their clubs protecting the back 4 with little need to develop other midfield attributes beyond tackling.
The SE is like a club or political party, with the ‘agba ballers’ not allowing new members and always expecting a call-up for tournaments even when they didn’t bother to participate in the tournament qualification.
In fact, every time a new player is called up that threatens an existing player somehow they get injured before they can even play. No be juju be dat?
The only reason they allowed Yusuf to play is not due to the acumen of the coach but because being a Northerner he fulfills quota requirements. Otherwise, he would not have been called, even though he deserves his place and rightly showed up the pretenders in the Nigerian midfield.
Playing Zaidu Sanusi had the opposite effect, he has been recently injured and is nowhere near match fitness.
As for the coach, he only changed tactics because of injuries. He had no strikers so could not play his usual dismal 442. If he had done so Nigeria would have lost.
If I must suggest to Peseiro for next game, he should play Bassey as the left back instead of zaidu. Hopefully Yusuf is fit. He should plays him as the central midfielder while onyeka plays behind him and in front of the defence of Aina, EKONG, Ajayi and Bassey.
Play IWOBI on the right hand side of the midfield. And then 3 man attack of Lookman, Osimene and Onuachu. Lookman plays behind both Osimene and Onuachu. Bassey and IWOBI to be instructed to float as good a number of decent crosses. This will help the team create multiple varieties of chances and cause loads of problems for opposition defences, for while Osimene and Onuachu are real menace to aerial balls, Osimene’s aggressive surge forward can also create scoring opportunities for the team.
Thumbs up brotherman Glory.
To be honest I think our strongest line-up is:
Nwabili
Osayi – Ajayi – Ekong – Bassey
Awaziem
Yusuf – Iwobi
Aribo – Osimhen – Lookman
Nice brodaman @ Deo. Yeah that Awaziem case makes some sense though. But there something I saw about Onuachu yesterday that really impressed me. In football you can spot what you are looking for in a player within two moves /touches. I see fire in Onuachu to prove a point. And thank God we have a Bassey and IWOBI who have it in them to send decent deliveries. That IVORY Coast defence is real suspect.
@Glory… this is why you always see me talking about Onuachi, that guy has some set skills that only a few others in SE has. You need to trust players and allow them show hat they can do. People have been counting caps for Onuachi but forget exception of AFCON 2019 where he started against Burundi… dude has hardly ever started or played up to 25minutes in the other times he was summoned in SE… yet some will say he has played 20times and scored only 3goals as if 97% of those times were not cameo appearances… Victor Osimhen alone wont do much against CIV… he needs to be paired with Onuachu, and Lookman allowed to play behind then and roam from edge to edge…
I totally agree with you Jimmyball on this one. I suggest we take good advantage of the fire in Onuachu. He really want to prove a point. There is no better time to get the best from than now. Osimene and Onuachu combo will be deadly. IT IS THAT FIRE TO PLAY THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISSING.
Me have said it time and time, osimhen is just a bully, he only flourish with average or below average teams, gra gra alone won’t do it as a striker, you need to know the size of the goal post while backing it as a striker, striker are meant to be selfish and miss chances, but your miss chances most be what ur fans will see and know you use ur striker sense and not that shit he did yesterday.
A striker that can’t score half chances, striker that can’t score a screamer, striker that can’t take up a defender, all he does was bully and run without end product and yet he refuse to improve himself, senior would burry two of those chances he miss effortlessly, I will start 80% fit kelechi anytime anyday after all we’ve heard of players playing with pain killers all season and heaven didn’t come down.
Thanks Glory,
Perhaps Peseiro can elect for a 4-1-3-2 accommodate Osimhen and Onuachu up front.
In that case, I will go for:
Nwabili
Osayi – Ajayi – Ekong – Bassey
Awaziem
Simon – Iwobi – Lookman
Onuachu – Osimhen
Hahaha… @ Deo. Haba. Simon again? But but Deo you sure say you no get plan so? Simon playing wide and Lookman wide out on the left, that means Osimene and Onuachu will, out of frustration/loneliness, result to throwing punches against one another. They will be so starved, that the opposition defenders will have good amount of freedom to takes selfies.
Anyway I think I might go with you for Osayi because of his grit and aggressiveness.
Don’t mind them they are back to their 442 that was very successful against Lesotho.
I have said this severally. Osimhen is not a complete striker. Osimhen doesn’t dribble. Once he gets the ball and there is one defender around, he will definitely shoot and in most cases waste the chance.
A good striker wouldn’t do that. A good striker will only shoot if he is in a scoring position. But Osimhen will shoot once a defender appears on the scene, whether he is in a scoring position or not. A good striker doesn’t do that. If there are one or two defender around, a good striker will try to use tricks, dribbles or gimmicks to either fully manoeuvre the defenders or at least get himself into a better position before attempting to finish. But that is not Osimhen. He shoots immediately he sights a defender coming his way. That is why he misses tons of chances
You are overly emotional here. Go look at the assists he has provided in Napoli all through his time there. But I understand your emotions are because we drew a team you believe we should win; however, I hope you can change your statement as every Player has days like he had against GB.
@ Deo
I really appreciate both yours and @Glory optimism . It is all we have at this moment.
We didn’t get the result we deserve but we played a good game.
We should look ahead to a tougher tie against the host. We must learn from our mistakes and get our acts right. It is a tournament, the best teams grow into it. We should hope for progress.
If I am going to pick my starting eleven, I don’t think there would be a place for a Zaidu and Onyeka.
I would rather have a 4 -4-2
Nwabali
Aina Ekong Ajayi Bassey(physical)
Yusuf Onyedika (double pivot, to both win the ball and rotate Asap).
Iwobi Simon
Lookman( slightly behind Osimhen. Free role. Can drop off to the midfield when necessary)
Osimhen( standing 9.)
If Iheanacho is fit and ready, I could simply replace Simon with Lookman whilst Iheanacho plays behind Osimhen.
Anyways, I wish them all the luck. Cause we really need it.
Thanks @ brodaman Hush. There is a problem with Simons game. He spend loads of time dribbling where it is’nt dangerous for the opposition. He should be wasting no time sending balls to where they create real problems for opposition defenders.
Same problem, the wazza dazzler chuzzy has but I selfishly will always wanna see chuzzy play though. That wazzo dazzo of chuzzy, maintains that entertainment aspect of the typical nigeria football and we must not loose it.
Anyway so happy we gonna be having Nacho and Moffi back. That opens loads of other options for the team.
Thanks@ Glory.
I think Simon can come good. My only problem with,and most, is his inconsistency.
But I feel he is better suited to the left wing cause of his dribbling and defensive attribute. He could help out with the defence. He is much suited playing that role than a Lookman.
I feel Lookman is much more effective as a supportive striker cum inverted winger. Like he does he is club to better effect.
He can play behind Osimhen . And given the room to roam between the midfield and attack.
Nothing stopping him from switching play in game with Iwobi in the right and Simon in the left. Our game shouldn’t be static and predictable. It should be fluids and flexible.
I think we should mostly play players in the position of their strength.
I have always stated most of the problem with the Eagles isn’t really about formation or tactics, it is the in game play and application of such tactics.
Well, we did play well yesterday, hopefully we take the positives and fix the flaws.
I am looking forward to subsequent games.
The keeper wasn’t unplayable, except we watched different games. All the saves he made were down to poor finishing technique. I’m currently watching Senegal vs Gambia; their two goals (so far) were very clinical. Did you see how calm Equitorial Guinea’s goal looked? It looked easy because the guy simply did basic ‘accuracy before power’. Our strikers would’ve blazed that same ball into stands! Our forward must work on their finishing or return home after the next two games. I won’t blame the coach much. We had the chances to win.
You again ehn?
johni or johnu or ghanajohn, whatever you are calling yourself today – next it will be yaws and then monky yash and then it will be tony, then frank, then what’s that one called self selfmad etc etc all of you are rebuked and cast out IJMN!
See as Cape Verde wiped the floor with your redundant and failure prone blacky stars yet shame you have no pride, only shame to still be getting involved, looking for another’s downfall – If it were Nigeria now who Cape Verde disgraced like that, you madmen will be all over this site polluting the air – mehn, e no easy for una o!
You are parasites and will be purged in Jesus Mighty name – how many Nigerian’s do you hear or see commenting on ghana affairs? ZERO – You people are insignificant to Nigerians but you are always trying to steal clout and delude yourselves by comparing yourselves to us – I blame the gullible ones who either respond to ghanians in plain sight or are fooled by the snakes pretending to be one of us – but why do you people waste your time and life trying soo hard to be among Nigerians and commenting on everything Nigerian, apart from your inferiority complex and jealousy, what else is it?? Haba!
I cast you out – I cast all all ghanian devils from Nigerian matters, Leave here in Jesus mighty name!
My brother, stop misbehaving. I’m a 100% Nigerian, in fact I’m more Nigerian than all you who support mediocrity. Nigeria drew that game yesterday because our strikers can’t score simply chances. Lamine Camara of Senegal just scored two lovely goals against Gambia. Two clinical and beautiful goals. I repeat, if we can progress from that group, our strikers must finish off easy chances!
I’m not a Ghanaian oooo lol. A bụ ezigbo nwafọ Igbo.
Oga@Hush, we don’t need those Simon dribbling and showboating in one circle.
We want quick and purposeful forward surge/runs of the likes of Victor Moses & Samuel Kalu.
Simon kills counter by trying to dribble around a circle where he ought to focus on pushing the ball forward and crossing that ball into the 18 or drive into the 18yard as quickly as possible. Or simply use two to beat one technique to move forward. (Pass and open up at the front to receive back the ball)
Imagine that Lookman did not fight forward to cross that ball, Osimhen wouldn’t have scored that goal.
I always make allusion to Victor Moses because he plays purposeful football. Simon is old enough in that team to improve nah, habaaaa!
Chukwueze should be told not to be afraid to push that ball and run with it as he did against SA & Cameroon last AFCON. Chukwueze push the ball forwaed and find your striker or score if the chance opens up.
For the line up, Bruno should replace Zaidu at that left back. That guy is never found wanting in his defensive duties. And he surges forward with fine crosses too.
Bruno (left back), Osayi Samuel (right back) and Yusuf (midfield) are the hitmen we have in the current SE. You hardly can dribble them and they are workaholics. I have not really seen Onyedika in SE colours.
Lookman or Iheanacho should play that Attacking Midfield role (AM). We need no 10 that can confidently receive the ball, create chances, string intelligent passes, tackle well and skillful too.
Our midfielders should always open up to receive the ball and face the opponent with it. Not hiding amidst the opponent, making us to pass the ball backwards and sideways (off course, your opponents have already planned to hold down your wings).
As for the charge of being a Ghanaian levelled at you Mr John-1 – I believe you bro – I have a BS decector that is 100% foolproof and my detector did not sniff any deception in your denial and so for that charge let me apologise bro!
Ekwerem na i bu ezigbo nwoke igbo.
A bum Onuigbo myself..
@John-1
As for the charge of being a Ghanaian levelled at you Mr John-1 – I believe you bro – I have a BS decector that is 100% foolproof and my detector did not sniff any deception in your denial and so for that charge let me apologise bro!
Ekwerem na i bu ezigbo nwoke igbo.
A bum Onuigbo myself..
Don’t insult yourself my broda – I don’t support mediocrity, I am he who cries out loudest against it and always sticking up for the pride of Nigeria – mind though that I said “NIGERIA” ba? Not “NIGERIANS” abegi because the latter are a bunch of shameful, disrespectful, backward minded and naive individuals lol.
Nsogbu adihụ. Anụlam ihe ikwuru
You are a Ghana General. Lea here today.
Arara Krumblie
You ehn – you’re still here ba?
You neva still manage find husband ni? Try find boyfriend na abegi – leave football space for the REAL man dem lool!
Senegal is still a team to beat in all ways. See composure and shots or goal from all angles, which all those super chickens midfielders lack. Unfortunately, we do not parade the best of super eagles standard.
I hope we avoid them sha. Solid keeper, solid midfield and solid attack. That’s a solid team.
That Lamine Camara guy is a genuine talent. Probably the biggest young talent in Africa at the moment. I started following him from U-17 to U-20, fantastic footballer. That second was a spectacular strike, the best goal so far!
@John-1
I appreciate the Senegalese team but if the Super Eagles are praying avoid teams,what’s the point of being in the competition?
We should focus is in front of us,when we reach that bridge we’ll cross it.
For now ,all eyes should be on Ivory coast.
You can avoid certian opponents in the round of 16 or quaterfinal but from Semifinals, your team would’ve balanced. Then if you advance to final, it’s anybody’s game.
Better yet,get prepared and play what’s infront of you.
This is the Afcon, you’ll definitely meet a good or semi good side at any point of the tournament.
Just be ready and take every match as it comes.
Well, may be