International Friendly: Mexico Beats Nigeria 2-1 In Peseiro’s First Start
By Chidi Nwoke, Abuja.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were defeated 2-1 by Mexico in an international friendly match, condemning Jose Peseiro to a losing start as the national team manager at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, USA.
Nigeria had Cyriel Dessers and Terem Moffi in attack as the Super Eagles were looking for a positive start to Peseiro’s tenure as head coach. Mexico started with Santiago Gimenez, Roberto Alvarado and Rodolfo Pizzarro in a front-three.
Here’s how we line up vs @miseleccionmx tonight.#SoarSuperEagles #MEXNGA pic.twitter.com/hTVxLLPD7u
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 28, 2022
The Mexicans had the better start as they pinned the Nigerians in their own half in search for the opening goal.
Mexico then took the lead in the 12th minute when Giménez reacted fastest to a loose ball and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Moments later, Uzoho was called into action, but this time he saved a shot from Andres Guardado. The Nigerian goalkeeper made another save to keep the Super Eagles in the game as Mexico looked to extend its lead.
The first half ended with Innocent Bonke in need of medical attention. Sani Faisal came on for Bonke at the start of the second half, with Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem swopping flanks as Nigeria looked to fight its way back into the game.
In the 54th minute, Dessers equalised for the Super Eagles after his header was fumbled into the net by the Mexican goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
View this post on Instagram
Two minutes later, it was disaster for Nigeria as Mexico took the lead again in dramatic fashion.
After midfielder Andres Gallardo dribbled past Awaziem, the Mexican’s cross was diverted into the net by William Troost-Ekong past goalkeeper Uzoho for an own goal.
Victor Mbaoma came on for Moffi, Chiamaka Madu replaced Cyriel Dessers, and Ishaq Rafiu was sent on for Moses Simon as the Eagles chased an equaliser.
However, the Super Eagles could not break Mexico’s resilient defence again as the match finished 2-1 in favour of the Mexicans.
FT: MEX 2-1 NGA. Not the result we expected but the positives from the game are immeasurable. #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/KuLYh09Ue8
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 29, 2022
A first goal for Cyriel Dessers was not enough as an own goal from Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong condemned Jose Peseiro to a losing start in his first match as the national team manager.
Nigeria’s next match is against Ecuador on the 3rd of June in New Jersey, before attention shifts to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Mauritius.
