Peseiro speaking at the post match press conference of the game against Sierra Leone, insisted the better side won
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has commended his team for their resilience in the 3-2 defeat of Sierra Leone in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, saying they deserved to win.
Nigeria edged past their hosts at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia, on Sunday evening, to book a place at the 2023 AFCON finals to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.
Two goals from Victor Osimhen and a late goal by Kelechi Iheanacho confirmed Super Eagles’ spot in the tournament which kicks off in January 2024.
ALSO READ: Nigeria edge past Sierra Leone, qualify for AFCON
Speaking after the three-time African champions qualified, Peseiro said the encounter with Sierra Leone was difficult but went on to argue that the better side won.
”Very hard match, my players never gave up, they fought till the final whistle; in the first half, we created up to eight opportunities but only scored two goals.
“We deserved to win but I think it was a difficult and very good match but our team is the best in the group. We did a fantastic job against a good team. I’m happy with my players, congratulations to them,” Peseiro said after the match.
Also speaking at the post-match press conference, Super Eagles captain on the night, Kenneth Omeruo attributed his team’s victory against the Leone Stars to concentration and focus from the players.
He also said the game could have ended in the first half, had the referee awarded a penalty in favour of Nigeria.
“Concentration is very important. The game would have died in the first half. There was a very clear penalty that was not given. That would have killed the game. But, still, we must always stay focused until the end,” he said.
