NGR vs. G’Bissau: Peseiro is confident in his team’s selection

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is confident of a positive outcome and defended his team selection ahead of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Nigeria leads Group A with six points, and a win would push the Super Eagles to nine points as they look for a crucial three points when they return to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

In their first match, the Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 before thrashing Sao Tome and Principe 10-0. The Djurtus won 5-1 against Sao Tome and Principe and drew 2-2 with Sierra Leone.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, the 62-year-old manager claims that the players he chose for the qualifiers are the best, despite the fact that some of them do not play regularly for their respective clubs.

It is difficult to build a team or a national team if you change the team every time,” Peseiro told The PUNCH. “First and foremost, we need to have enough practise in the camp about our ideas, our organisation, defensive organisation, and our spirit.”

“There are many quality players; if I choose anyone, it is because I believe they can outperform the others.” You must instill a sense of team spirit within the team.

“I like all of my players, and I understand everyone, because if I ask everyone to pick 20 players, they will obviously pick who they like, but I understand, it’s normal.” The difference is that I am the coach, and I select the best players in my opinion for our team, but if I ask 200 million Nigerians, they can choose for themselves, but it is my job.

“Of course, I know these players, and we appreciate them; I’ve visited many players up to this point.” If I select these players now, it is because I trust them more than many others, and only them.”

Since taking charge of the Super Eagles on May 15, 2022, the 62-year-old has managed two wins, three defeats, and one draw in six matches across all competitions.