Despite the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Algeria’s Desert Foxes in a friendly international match on Tuesday evening, head coach Jose Peseiro is proud of his team’s efforts.
Nigeria got off to a strong start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Lorient striker Terem Moffi poked the ball into the net after the Algerian defense lost focus.
Algeria equalised minutes before the interval when Riyadh Mahrez stepped up to convert a penalty kick conceded by Frank Onyeka. The 2019 AFCON champions completed the comeback in the 61st minute when right-back Youcef Atal scored from long range.
Reacting to the result, Peseiro told NFF TV: “It was a good game, the camping showed the quality of our players and their collective effort. It was a hard match, Algeria is a good team. Our players try to do what I ask them to do in training
“It is possible you lose in football, I’m sad we lost. I don’t like to lose any match but I am very happy with the performance of my players. They did well in the game.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t win the game, but I’m happy with the performance of my players.”
The Portuguese tactician continued: “I called nine players I didn’t really know before. Players who have not played with me before but some of them have played with the national team. Players we are just working with for the first time. Everybody played. Good job all around.”
Nigeria’s next match is a friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, which will take place in November at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
