Peseiro questions ref’s decision after Nigeria’s defeat to Ecuador
Jose Peseiro has questioned refereeing decision after Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost their second straight game under his charge.
Nigeria fell 1-0 to World Cup-bound Ecuador early Friday in New Jersey after they lost 2-1 to Mexico in an earlier friendly also in the United States of America.
Time for the national anthems of both countries. pic.twitter.com/eYcmwqdqhE
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) June 3, 2022
Ecuador stunned Nigeria with a third minute goal through Pervis Estupinan after Chidozie Awaziem and Sani Faisal poorly defended a free kick from a promising distance.
The Eagles chased the game in the second half, but they could not restore parity despite carving out some good chances.
Peseiro said after the match that his team ought to have been awarded a penalty in the 13th minute, when striker Terem Moffi was felled inside the box by the Ecuador goalkeeper.
“Of course, I don’t want to speak about the referee, but at least one penalty (should have been awarded to Super Eagles),” Peseiro claimed in a post-match interview.
“No VAR but in the start of the show, there was a clear penalty. The goalkeeper touched the foot of our striker.
“I don’t know but I was told we had another penalty also, but the referee didn’t give it to us. But it is okay, anybody can commit mistakes. Even the players can make mistakes also.”
FT: ECU 1-0 NGA. Intense game from the boys, lots of positives to be taken from this match. The stats say it all. Time to focus on the 2023 AFCONQ. #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/owE2D1Z4I5
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 3, 2022
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He added, “Today in the first half we didn’t well, but in the last 25 minutes. Only in the first 50 minutes we didn’t play like we should but they commanded the match after 50 minutes.
“The second half much better, but it is not easy to put pressure on opponents for 90 minutes. Today, we played better than against Mexico.
“I hope we will take this to our AFCON match against Sierra Leone.”
Nigeria’s Super Eagles welcome Leone Stars to Abuja on June 9 to kick start their 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign.