The head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has provided an explanation on why the team suffered their second consecutive defeat in friendly games following the 0-1 defeat to Ecuador.
Peseiro started over his tenure as coach with a 1-2 loss to Mexico and yesterday an early goal from Pervais Josue Estupiñán settled the game in favour of the Ecuador side.
Speaking after the game, Peseiro blamed his team’s poor start to the game which saw them concede very early and also hinted that the fact that they had two penalty claims not given played a role in the defeat.
“Today I think like it was in the game against Mexico we didn’t play good but today I think the last 25 minutes or the last 30 minutes of the first half”, he said.
“Only the first 15 minutes we didn’t play like we can because we have players who can move the ball and command the game but we could not in the first 15 minutes. I think after that 15 minutes we played very well in my opinion.
“The second half was much better but it’s not easy, pressure ninety minutes like we did in the second half. I don’t want to speak about referee, At least one penalty. no VAR but in the stadium they show clear penalty goal keeper touched the foot of the striker. The other I don’t know but my assistant told me it’s a clear penalty.
“If the referee gives the penalty and the striker or midfielder scores it, then this game ends 1-1 but it’s ok as everyone makes mistakes. I make mistakes and even the players make mistakes”, he concluded.