Jose Peseiro has praised the Super Eagles for their character and reaction despite losing 2-1 to Mexico in his first game in charge of the team.
Mexico defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a friendly at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, early Sunday morning with 56,872 fans in attendance.
Santiago Tomas Gimenez of Mexico scored in the 12th minute after the ball came off him from goalkeeper Francis Uzoho save to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Feyenoord hitman Cyril Dessers then equalised for the Eagles with a header in the 54th minute off Calvin Bassey’s inviting cross.
However, stand-in captain Williams Troost-Ekong restored Mexico lead with an own goal.
The Eagles started rather slowly, but they grew in confidence as the game progressed.
Four home-based players namely Faisal Sani, Victor Mbaoma, Emmanuel Madu and Ishaq Rafiu came off the bench to feature in the second half.
Peseiro said though he was not happy the team lost, he was satisfied that the players came back stronger.
“I am not happy that we lost, but I am delighted and happy with my players’ performances and character,” he remarked.
“I am happy the way they reacted on the pitch in the second half by giving their best.
“We have quality players, we tried to compete with Mexico in the first half, but we couldn’t, we came out better in the second half.”
He also commends the home-based players who featured in the game.
“The home-based players did well no doubt. I am happy with them,” he said.
