Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, revealed his tactical experimentation with a new formation and system during the warm-up match against Guinea, which concluded in a 2-0 defeat for Nigeria.
Despite the loss, Peseiro expressed satisfaction with aspects of the team’s performance and emphasized the importance of testing strategies ahead of the upcoming AFCON.
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Peseiro shared insights into the tactical adjustments, stating, “I think we tested a new system today, 3-4-3. I think we had a very good first half. Of course, we were losing 1-0 in the first half, but we deserved more. We missed a penalty and had one or two clear-cut chances. I am happy with the team because I changed the team, I didn’t play all the players. I tried to manage too much in the team.”
The coach acknowledged the challenges faced in the second half, leading to a shift in formation. He explained, “We lost the balance in the midfield for that, so I changed to a 4-3-3 after that, and they got many situations of counter-attack, and they even got the second goal.
But I am happy with the first half. The second half was not so good. Even we created three or four opportunities. But they got another counter-attack. And it is 2-0.”
When questioned about the decision to start Stanley Nwabali and its implications for the AFCON lineup, Peseiro remained guarded, stating, “Today Stanley played. I don’t say my first eleven for Equatorial Guinea to anyone. At that moment, I will decide. I know in my head, but at that moment, I will tell everybody.”
Reflecting on the match, Peseiro emphasized the importance of the friendly in implementing a new system. He stated, “It’s better to make the mistakes now than later.
The second half was not a good second half, but not so bad either. I’m happy, of course. I know what the players did until now. The work in their heart.
Good performance from some players like Yusuf, this is the first time he will play with our national team. Stanley, also, I am happy with everybody.”
The friendly loss serves as a learning opportunity for Peseiro and the Super Eagles as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of the AFCON tournament.
