AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro rues missed chances after finishing second in Group A

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed his disappointment over the missed chances after West African  country’s settled for second place in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

At the end of the three group games, the Nzalang Nacional finished top of the log with seven points, with superior goals difference ahead of the Super Eagles despite tied on seven points but didn’t end up as plan.

Reflecting on the setback, the Portuguese tactician expressed his desire to finish top of the group but has lamented his side’s wastefulness in their opening 1-1 draw with Juan Micha’s side.

“We want to reach the first position in the group but couldn’t because against Equatorial Guinea we lost a lot of chances,” Peseiro said during the post-match press conference after Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau.

“Congratulations to Equatorial Guinea because they reached the first position. In my opinion, in our capacity, I think we deserve to be in the first position but it is okay.

“It was a match Guinea Bissau had less opportunities. In this tournament, we don’t score more goals until the final. It was a tough and not an easy match with pressure and stress. Guinea did a good game as well but created some opportunities. We deserve more than a goal. It’s okay I think we keep the goals for the next games.”

Opa Sangante’s own goal from Moses Simon’s cross settled the score in favour of Peseiro’s side on Monday.

“It was a good game for safety and control.” He continued. “We scored one goal and if we continue to do that till the final we will win the cup.

“The next match if we score early, it is good. During the qualifiers, we scored more goals and created many chances as well as lost many chances. We played an offensive match by trying to enjoy the game but sometimes in this tournament, it is not easy to achieve that.” He concluded.