Jose Peseiro has said he expects a tough game for the Super Eagles when they take on Saudi Arabia in Friday’s international friendly in Portugal, Completesports.com reports.
The Eagles and Saudi Arabia will clash for the second time after playing a 0-0 draw in their first meeting which was also a friendly in 2010.
The three-time Asian champions shocked the football world at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after defeating a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side 2-1.
Peseiro, who was coach of Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2011, said he anticipates a difficult contest for his side.
“Saudi was the last team to beat Argentina so I expect a hard match and also a good match for our team and we will start on the front foot against them,” the Portuguese said in his press conference on Thursday.
He said is target in the friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique is a win.
“We want to beat Saudi Arabia and Mozambique so as to prepare well for the first two games of the World Cup qualifiers because Nigeria must play the next World Cup.“
Also Read: Why NFF Arranged Mozambique Friendly Match For Super Eagles –Gusau
The former Real Madrid assistant coach explained why the doubleheader games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique are important for his players.
“It is good for us to play friendlies in the international window, it is a moment you have the players to improve organisation, spirit, connection among them.
“We have a very fantastic atmosphere this moment, we need time to improve the team because if you want to win the AFCON you need to step up, practice and improve our team.
“It’s good that we could invite 25 players who we believe in unfortunately some of them could not come due to injury and other problems.“
On the unavailability of Olorunleke Ojo and Adebayo Adeleye, he said:”Some problems happened about visa and for Adeleye it’s about what’s going on where he is.
“We don’t know if he would still come and that was the reason we invited Maduka. We have Uzoho and Maduka and if Ojo and Adeleye eventually come no problem because it will give us the chance to check them.”
Commenting on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s call-up, Peseiro added:”For Fisayo this is the first time he will be with us and this is the best time to check him among the group. I cannot always call new players because there’s not enough time, we have the qualification for the 2026 World Cup and AFCON. But if we see quality players we will invite them.”
4 Comments
“I cannot always invite new players…but if we see quality players we’ll invite them”
I like this.
Wishing super eagles well.
We have no excuse if we draw or loose this game. Saudi Arabia under Mancini are not good enough compared to when they had Renard. I personally don’t fear or respect Mancini… The coach I respect are Pep, Conte, De Zerbi , Postecoglu and even Spahletti.
Great
Bia CSN..
This is a JOKE now Haba..Abi I lie?
No, ask yourselves if this is a joke or not CSN brothers!
I mean you might as well call it a day and close the damn site down!
Chaii! Only in Nigeria…
We know accidents happen, code gets scrambled, software misbehaves etc etc However to just leave it like that for almost a month now and worse still make absolutely no reference to the very obvious ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, give reasons, make apologies for it to your very loyal readers/followers, just shows a lack of professionalism and a very backward level of skills, experience and a blatant disregard for effectiveness or best practice!