Three-time African champions, Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their coming friendly games against Ecuador on Thursday evening, as well as their AFCON 2023 qualifying matches against Sierra Leone and Mauritius next month. Nigeria national team arrived in New Jersey from Dallas on Sunday after the friendly game against El Trin of Mexico.
Super Eagles players in New Jersey
A relentless Mexican side was fortunate to defeat the Super Eagles after the final whistle of the match played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, United States on Saturday.
Nigerian team captain talking to NFF in New Jersey on Monday said,
We were unhappy to have lost to Mexico because everyone worked very hard. The issues of long travel and little time to adapt to the new zone affected us all in the first half, but we created a raft of chances in the second half and were unlucky to have lost.
He added that;
Nevertheless, we have taken on board a lot of lessons from the game and they will be quite useful in subsequent matches.
Ekong praised the four home-based pros who were given opportunities in the second half, praising their work ethic and confidence against the El Tri.
Everyone has been great here with good attitude and response at training. However, I must specially commend the team mates from the Nigeria Professional Football League who have shown poise, pace and power and also commitment; they have no doubt raised the NPFL's profile with their attitude and performance."
In the second half, players from the Nigeria Professional Premier League players like defender Sani Faisal, midfielder Chiamaka Madu, and attackers Victor Mbaoma and Ishaq Rafiu were given an opportunity to contribute their own quota.
The Eagles filed out for a complete training session at the Montclair State University pitch on Monday, with most of the players displaying their typical passion, energy, and sharpness.
Coach José Peseiro and his assistants oversaw Monday's practice, which focused on close control, space management, and clinical finishing.
On Thursday evening, at 8 p.m. ET, the Eagles will face Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison (1am on 3rd June in Nigeria).
Super Eagles' Coach Jose Peseiro
Peseiro, on the other hand, believes his team isn't losing sight of the AFCON 2023 qualifying games, which begin on Thursday, June 9th, with the Super Eagles facing the Leone Stars at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before heading to Saint Pierre to face Mauritius on Monday, June 13th.
Source: Sports Nigeria
