Peseiro says: Constant criticism bothers goalkeepers
The Super Eagles returned to training yesterday after drawing 2-2 with Saudi Arabia in one of their two friendly matches in Portugal.
Victor Boniface scored an own goal while Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria’s second as the Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Green Falcons at Portimão Municipal Stadium in Portugal.
Nigeria will meet Mozambique in the second friendly match tomorrow at the same stadium.
The Eagles headed to the gym in the morning and were back on the field by 4.30pm to correct the lapses noticed in the match against Saudi Arabia.
Goalkeeper Leke Ojo, who was delayed due to visa issues, arrived at the camp on Friday evening and is now ready to participate if called up tomorrow. He is among 26 players taken by Peseiro to his native Portugal to prepare for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, which he has vowed to win.
Victor Osimhen, who was substituted in the match against Saudi Arabia due to minor thigh discomfort, has resumed training and is ready to go.
Sources in the camp said that his substitution in the match was precautionary and not due to any serious concern.
Meanwhile, Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, has appealed to Nigerian football fans to go easy on the goalkeepers, saying the constant harsh criticism is affecting their game.
Maduka Okoye was forced out of the national team temporarily following his blunder at the Cameroon 2021 Cup of Nations which contributed to the Super Eagles’ defeat to Tunisia in the second round of the competition. His replacement, Francis Uzoho, fared no better as he was held responsible for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Many fans believe the good goalkeeper would have saved Thomas Partey’s long-range shot that clipped his legs in the World Cup finals decider against Ghana in Abuja. Nigeria managed to draw 1-1 with Ghana in that match, but fell to the Black Stars on the away goal rule.
On Friday in Portugal, Uzoho converted a free kick into his own net, giving Saudi Arabia the lead, before goals from Boniface and Iheanacho ensured the match ended in a draw.
Speaking about the goalkeepers, Peseiro said yesterday: “I love our players. When they make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Goalkeepers never play freely or calmly because of people.
“I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time. Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose a ball or miss a goal?
He urged Super Eagles fans to encourage their goalkeepers to improve instead of making them uncomfortable every time they represent Nigeria.
“When I arrived here, I remember I was asked to change the goalkeepers. I spoke to all of them and no one felt comfortable because everyone attacked them. They can make mistakes. It is my responsibility. Next time I need to coach him (Uzoho) better,” he said. .
