Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has defended his team’s poor form in front of goal at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Blessed with the reigning Africa footballer of the year Victor Osimhen who powered Napoli to the Italian league title with 26 goals last season, Peseiro’s side were expected to be a high scoring side but that hasn’t been the case so far.
The Nigerian team have scored just three goals in the tournament, but only one from open play with the other coming from spot and an own goal against Guinea-Bissau in their final group game.
This is coming on the back of the fact that they have created more chances than any other team, with Osimhen guilty of missing more big chances (4) than any other forward in the team so far.
Ahead of the round of 16 game against Cameroon, the Portuguese coach was quizzed on if his tactics is behind the low scoring nature of the team so far, and if he is worried about it as they head into the crucial part of the tournament.
“I have the obligation to do what is right for my team, pick the best formation and how best we can win games,” he told reporters.
“The most important thing is for my players to believe in our strategy. They believe in what we are doing and have done well so far.
“If you remember at the last AFCON, Senegal didn’t score too many goals in the group stage.
“We are not scoring too many goals but we are winning. I prefer to continue like this and reach the final.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
