Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro says his team were better than their opponents, Equatorial Guinea but were simply unlucky.

Peseiro said this while reacting to Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

But beyond the slightly disappointing result, Peseiro said he was satisfied with the performance of Super Eagles players.

“I am not happy. I deserved to win. This draw doesn’t suit us. Our team created a lot of chances but we didn’t score. We hope that next time, even with fewer opportunities, we will score.

“We simply have to improve our finishing,” he said.

The Super Eagles will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire, for their second game.

The match scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe at 5:00 p.m. will be decisive for the Super Eagles, who have almost no room for error.

Nigeria are making their 20th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

They have won the tournament on three occasions (1980, 1994, 2013) and reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations.

Nigeria were beaten finalists the last time the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was held in Côte d’Ivoire, they lost 3-1 against Cameroon in 1984.

This is Equatorial Guinea’s fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance, but it is only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts.

They reached the knockout stages: quarter-finalists in 2012 and 2021, fourth place in 2015.

(NAN)