Jose Peseiro also said he took the Super Eagles’ job because he believes in the ability of Nigerian players
By Kehinde Okeowo
Jose Peseiro, the new head coach of the Nigeria national team, described the encounter against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone later today in MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja as a must-win game.
The former Panathinaikos, Sporting CP, Al Ahly, and Braga coach was announced as Super Eagles boss by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the exit of Augustine Eguavoen.
However, after taking charge of the Super Eagles in two international friendlies, Peseiro is yet to record his first victory for the country.
He narrowly lost the two encounters against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.
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On Thursday evening, he will take charge of his third game, when he leads three-time African champions for the first time on home soil in Abuja.
Addressing the media ahead of the game against West African neighbours, Sierra Leone, Peseiro said he agreed to take the job because he believes in the players.
In his words, “Why did I decide with the NFF president that I want to come here? Why did I say I want to win the Afcon? Because I believe in the players, I have confidence in them
“I have spoken to my staff, and the players, and step by step I will learn about the environment, and the characteristics of the players and I will know the players better when I go to the pitch with them.
He also said there is no margin for error in the match, as the team needs to pick the maximum points at home.
He added, “In these few days we’ve been together we did some exercise and for tomorrow I want to win I must win.”