Ifeanyi Udeze: Super Eagles defence lacked coordination against Portugal

By Olu Dare

Ifeanyi Udeze has blamed Nigeria’s 4-0 international friendly defeat against Portugal to lack of understanding between the defenders.

The three-time African kings found themselves trailing at Jose Alvalade Stadium with only nine minutes played after Bruno Fernandes put the Selecao ahead and he scored the second for a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.

Goncalo Ramos then added the second before Joao Mario sealed the huge win with Jose Peseiro started Kevin Akpoguma, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel starting in defence.

“The defence lacked good coordination and when that happens you’re bound to concede goals,” Udeze told Punch.

“There was no understanding between William Troost-Ekong and the player [Kevin Akpoguma], who played alongside him looked confused.

“They need to play compactly as a unit to win games. They didn’t play like they wanted to win the game.”

Since taking charge, Peseiro has lost all four friendly matches. His first defeat came in the 2-1 result against Mexico. Nigeria then lost 1-0 against Ecuador, 2-1 against Algeria and now 4-0 against Portugal.

With the Super Eagles not taking part in the 2022 Fifa World Cup which gets underway in Qatar on Sunday, they will take a break until next March for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.