Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro warns: Lesotho, Zimbabwe won't be easy to beat

Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro warns: Lesotho, Zimbabwe won't be easy to beat

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro warns: Lesotho, Zimbabwe won't be easy to beat

Izuchukwu Akawor • 15:09 - 27.10.2023

The road to the next FIFA World Cup presents a daunting challenge for the Nigeria Super Eagles, coach Jose Peseiro has said.

In a recent statement, Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro sounded the alarm, cautioning that Nigeria’s upcoming matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be a walk in the park some might expect. 

The warning comes as the Nigerian national men’s team gears up for crucial matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

Nigeria in the FIFA WCQ

The Super Eagles will get the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway when they host Lesotho on Nov 15, 2023.

Three days later, Peseiro and his Eagles will be visitors to Zimbabwe in Rwanda after the Warriors failed to get approval for a local Stadium in Harrare.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain unchanged in the latest FIFA ranking. Photo Credit: X/Super Eagles

Ahead of the double-header against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Peseiro’s Eagles prepared with two friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. 

Nigeria was held to a 2-2 draw by the Green Falcons before a 3-2 win against Mozambique ended a run of 15 games without a win in international friendly matches. 

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Peseiro on Lesotho and Zimbabwe

Known for his pragmatic style, the Portuguese manager has reiterated that he remains committed to leading Nigeria to the AFCON title next year and taking Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup.

However, while the 63-year-old believes the games next month are a must-win, he warns that Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be easy teams to see off. 

Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia
Iheanacho was a standout as the Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia and will aim to score against Mozambique - X/Super Eagles Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia

“When I signed my contract, my ambition was to take Nigeria to the World Cup and make them African champions,” he said per Newsday via BBC. 

“You must beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe, but you cannot think it’s easy. Before it’s possible you could see the big difference between the teams but that is no longer true. The teams are closing those gaps,” the former FC Porto boss added.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro believes Nigeria can do it in CIV. |Photo Credit: Imago

The matches next month are significant stepping stones on the path to the next FIFA World Cup slated for the United States of America, and Peseiro wants his players to approach them with the utmost seriousness.

After the Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 party hosted by Qatar, Nigerians will be eager to see their beloved team take the qualifiers seriously. 

Peseiro’s words will serve as a reminder that no match on the path to the FIFA World Cup is guaranteed victory, and that each game will demand the highest level of dedication and effort.

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