Nigeria 1 Mexico 2: Peseiro loses first match in charge of Super Eagles

The Super Nigeria lost to Mexico 2-1 in an international friendly played on the artificial turf of the AT&T Stadium in Texas on Sunday morning.

A first goal for Cyriel Dessers was not enough as an own goal from Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned Jose Peseiro to a losing start as the national team manager.

Peseiro’s first match in charge of Nigeria saw a familiar lineup. Troost-Ekong led out the Eagles who filed out in a 3-5-2 formation. Dessers, winning his second cap was paired with Terem Moffi while Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem joined Ekong as the back three.

The Mexicans had the Eagles pinned in and won their corner kick in the ninth minute as they searched for the opening goal. They found the goal their possession dictated in the 12th minute but Ekong and Awaziem could have reacted better and faster to a headed knockdown from Jesus Gallardo.

Santiago Giménez reacted fastest to the loose ball and lifted it over Uzoho, even though the Nigerian goalkeeper got a piece of the ball. Six minutes later, Uzoho was called into action again but this time he parried a shot from Andres Guardado.

Giménez should have doubled Mexico’s lead in the 20th minute when he got on the end of a ball in the Nigerian box but he blasted wide. The Eagles settled into the game and had some time on the ball as they pressed the Mexicans in their half.