William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles can be proud of their performance in the two friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador, reports Completesports.com.
The Super Eagles fell to a 1-0 defeat against Ecuador on Friday morning.
Jose Peseiro’s side also lost 2-1 to Mexico in their first friendly last Sunday.
“I thought it was was a good performance from the boys barring in mind we played under a new coach. We had like five, six training sessions since we got here,” Troost-Ekong told reporters after the game.
“It was an improvement from our performance against Mexico especially in the first half and against a strong Ecuador team. I don’t think we deserve to lose in the end.
“One thing we want to do in these games is improve our performance and understand what coach want from us.”
Troost-Ekong and his teammates will now shift attention to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.
Read Also:Ecuador 1-0 Nigeria: How Gallant Super Eagles Rated
The Watford defender insists lesson learnt from the friendlies will be vital for the Super Eagles.
“Of course the most thing now is the two matches we play in Africa (AFCON 2023 qualifiers) Things will better when we play Sierra Leone next week,”he added.
Troost-Ekong also reflected on the performance of his team against the South Americans.
“Ecuador gained momentum with that early goal. It was like an home game for them. The atmosphere was lively. It was great to see a lot of Ecuador fans in the stadium. Nigerians fans were also there too,” Troost-Ekong declared.
“They started the game very well. Then we took control and played well in the second half as well.
Read Also:Friendly: Eagles Battle Ready For Ecuador Game –Awaziem
“Ecuador also created some good chances and that was because we were a little impatient and tried to get the equaliser. It was a good performance from us and we deserved more than that the eventual result.
“Half time message that we have try and pushed hard from our performance in the first half. In the 15 minutes of the first half, we tried to press a little higher.
“We took more risks by playing one on one . I think you see in the second half, they didn’t have much of the ball. They were not comfortable on the ball.
“May be we started the game by respecting them too much. We know they are a very good team. We played better in the second half.”
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
Troost ekong is one man who’s not comfortable on the ball, which makes him highly susceptible to mistakes. Nigeria must scout for new boys especially in the defense department. Excuses upon excuses, so when is super eagles going to start winning? Our basketball team ever assembled are now kicked out of the world cup, thanks to the sports minister and Buhari. Bad Politics everywhere and in all facets of Nigeria existence.
LMFAO!!
You guys are still paying for the SINS of SACKING GENERAL ROAH.
LMFAO!!!
I’m a big fan of super Eagles ! I once said don’t sack Rohr instead encourage him but NFF came up with disaster. Let us go back what happen from 98 to 2010. Media u guys a lot the problem for Rohr sacking, he doesn’t have tactics. First five to ten Rohr coach he won
Whoever knows Pinnick and co – go and bring Rohr back
Osimhen and Lookman should be invited for the afcon qualifier. 3-5-2 desser and Osimhen. Osimhen should stop giving excuses not to be invited, mmm new coach reign of Desser. Eto and drogba never gives excuses on national team that’s why they are top goal scorer for their countries. Declined afcon because of club who does that, na when you turn 35 then the answer will be I should have played 5 afcon and three wc.. I’m projecting Osimhen to score twice of Yekini all time record 37 + 37 = u know I know. If he stop omitting himself will more than the total
Victor Osimhem has to be invited for the afcon qualifying matches and others players too.
If I understand what has been said correctly, Nigeria has never won a friendly game since 2019. Drawn 5 and lost 6. Bulk was definitely under your Rohr.
Sierra Leone is not going to be cake-work. Not only Osimhen services is needed, Lookman, Amoo, Eneanchor possibly Onuachu if he is fit to play, should also be invited. No home-based players as the Minister of Sport may demand.