Ecuador 1-0 Nigeria: Jose Peseiro suffers second defeat as Super Eagles coach
Nigeria suffered 1-0 defeat to Ecuador in their second international friendly fixture in the United States of America on Friday morning.
Pervis Estupinan’s third-minute goal was enough for the South Americans as the Super Eagles struggled to find an equaliser for the majority of the game.
Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers led Nigeria’s attack in the encounter but the former was replaced by Enyimba striker Victor Mbaoma with five minutes left on the clock.
Francis Uzoho held his spot between the sticks while captain William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi marshalled the defence with Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi controlling the middle of the park.
It was Jose Peseiro’s second defeat as Super Eagles coach after the Portuguese coach lost his debut game against Mexico by 2-1 on May 29.
Friday’s result at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey left the three-time African champions without a win in their last five matches in all competitions.
The last time Nigeria won a match was on January 19 when they defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their final group match at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Following the back-to-back losses registered, Jose Peseiro’s men will hope to find their winning touch when they begin their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on June 9.
The Super Eagles will host Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium next Thursday before facing Sao Tome and Principe in their second group match on June 13.
