The coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has revealed how he went about the substitutions he made in the 1-0 quarter final win over Angola at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria defeated Angola to book a spot in the final four of the tournament, where they will take on South Africa on Wednesday. Ahead of the game the coach made a revelation about the substitutions he made against Angola.
He substituted Alex Iwobi for Alhassan Yusuf and later brought out Frank Onyeka with Joe Aribo taking his place with around three minutes left to play in the game. He explained that he was advised to take off the Brentford midfielder by captain of the team William Troost-Ekong. He said during the half time break he confirmed from both players who among them is tired so he can be subbed off.
Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Peseiro said: “Before the break I called Iwobi and Onyeka, asked them who is more tired so I can bring in one substitute. No one said I’m tired.
“After five minutes Ekong came to tell me Onyeka cannot continue. Ekong informed me you must change Onyeka.
“From my bench, it’s better I keep Iwobi, put Yusuf, and Onyeka goes out but I know all the players want to complete the game.
“I was angry in that moment. Two times Ekong said Onyeka is tired due to the pain in the shoulder. But I asked him five minutes before, not 10, 15 or 20 minutes, said he was okay, it’s happening in football.
“The captain on the pitch can inform me about some situations – some players tired, some players feeling some pain.”
Ade Emmanuel
