AFCON: God Gives And God Takes – Nigerian Coach, Jose Peseiro Says

AFCON 2023: “God gives and God takes” – Jose Peseiro hoping tides turn for Super Eagles against Ivory Coast after Equatorial Guinea draw.

Victor Osimhen scored a header from Ademola Lookman’s cross to cancel out Iban Salvador’s well-placed opener in AFCON Group A clash between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Super Eagles coach, Jose Vitor Peseiro lamented over his side’s 1-1 draw over Equatorial Guinea, but is hopeful for a change against Ivory Coast, handing the game into God’s hands, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Portuguese tactician opted against his usual 4-4-2 formation today, and opted to start with Chippa United’s Christian Nwabili in goal, but it was his team’s lack of clinicality in front of goal that came back to haunt him.

Speaking in his post-match conference, the Portuguese tactician mentioned his team did enough to take all three points, despite the humid conditions in Ivory Coast.

“We did everything to win, we created many and clear opportunities, and we simply deserved to win. Playing by 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 63-year-old coach said.

The former Porto manager remained optimistic about the team’s next game, and put it into the hands of God.

“I am sad, the players are also sad but God gives and God takes. Next game, God could give us,” he added.

Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu all came on to change the game for the Super Eagles, but Jesus Owono came up trumps for the Equitoguineans.