Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, is confident that his team could have won the game after their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
The team’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, scored a header from Ademola Lookman’s cross to equalise the score after Iban Salvador had opened the scoring at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, January 14.
Peseiro expressed his disappointment with the draw but remained hopeful for a change in luck as the tournament progresses.
In his post-match press conference, the Portuguese coach acknowledged that despite the humid conditions in Ivory Coast, his players performed well enough on the field to potentially earn them three points.
“We did everything to win, we created many and clear opportunities, and we simply deserved to win,” he said.
“Playing at 2 pm isn’t easy, so the temperature and humidity were not good, but our players managed it very well. It wasn’t easy playing in these conditions.”
The coach, who is highly regarded, is still hopeful for the team’s upcoming game. He has entrusted the outcome to a higher power.
“I am sad, the players are also sad but God gives and God takes. Next game, God could give us,” he concluded.
On Thursday, January 18, the Super Eagles will be competing against Ivory Coast, who are the hosts. This will be followed by a match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January 22, which will conclude the games in Group B.
