Ex-international Edema Fuludu has described the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea as not unexpected.

Mr Fuludu, a member of the 1994 AFCON winning squad, said during an interview on Sunday in Lagos.

He however urged the players to continue to keep playing together as a team.

He said, “The surprise would have been if we had a coordinated midfield. I’m not surprised. I’ve always been vocal about the coach José Peseiro. From the selection of players to the selected friendly matches. We can do better than this. There’s need for more cohesion and control of the midfield so that the passes can flow. The boys need to put this behind them and focus on the next match.

“ Hopefully before the next match we would have got ourselves together before the Guinea-Bissau match then Côte d’ Ivorie. I’m not surprised and these boys are not magician.’’

Ivan Salvador opened scoring when he pulled a fast one on Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, in the 37th minute.

Victor Osimhen equalised for the Eagles in 38th minute to give hope to the Nigerians.

On his part, Wasiu Ipaye described the draw as a narrow escape. He urged the players to try and utilise every opportunity created.

“I have never hidden my displeasure at the shoddy selection and preparation ahead of this tournament so I’m not surprised. We can do better we have all the resources and players. The players need to be calm and convert all the opportunities created. I wish them the best in their next match,” he said.

In spite of the many chances the Eagles had, they failed to get the winning goal.

The Eagles will take on Guinea-Bissau in their second Group A match while hosts Cote d’ Ivoire will play Equatorial Guinea.

(NAN)