Peseiro happy with Super Eagles 0-2 loss to Guinea ahead of AFCON

Jose Peseiro Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria has responded to criticism after the team lost to the Syli National of Guinea in an international friendly.

The friendly fixture came after the Super Eagles dismantled the Al Gharbia FC, a local team located in Dubai, 12-0 in a training match.

In what was an interesting fixture of two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) contenders the Super Eagles started well against the Guineans.

It took Guinea just 14 minutes to break the deadlock through Aguibou Camara.

At the 19-minute mark, the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty after Umar Sadiq was brought down.

Nantes forward Moses Simon stepped up but missed the spot kick.

In the 64th minute, 18-year-old Facinet Conte made it two to Guinea as they held on for a comfortable win.

The Super Eagles are now on a three-game streak without a win.

Peseiro talked to the official Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) TV about the oss to Guinea.

In the interview, Peseiro explained that the team shifted from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3.

He said, "We test a new system today 3-4-3 and I think we didi a very good first half.

"Of course, we were losing 0-1 but it was an underserved one.

"We miss a penalty and we had two or three clear chances, I think we deserve more in the first half than the second half.

"In the second half, I think it is more balanced between the team.

"You look forward to the results when you play against a team with a good speed and good counterattack, it is not easy.

"We lost the balance in the midfield and for that I changed the formation to 4-3-3.

"They got three or four situations to counter-attack and even though they scored the second goal I am happy with the team."

Peseiro then went on to explain that he opted to rest players after their 12-0 win in a warm-up fixture.

He said, "I changed the team, I didin't play all the players, I tried to manage in these two matches the team I didn't show the first eleven.

"We showed the first eleven and I am happy but the second half and worse and you feel more pain because of the work.

"We did a lot along the week but it's okay I am happy with the first half but not so good."

The Super Eagles have branded Let's Do It Again as their mantra for the upcoming AFCON.

Draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers changed the optimism of Nigerians to the team.

Now, after the loss to Guinea days before the start of the AFCON, Nigerians are lukewarm about the Super Eagles' chances of a fourth continental title.

The Super Eagles are now set to be hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before they depart to Ivory Coast.