Match report : Cyriel Dessers off the mark but Eagles fell to Mexico as Jose Peseiro’s reign kicks off with a defeat

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Jose Peseiro's era as the boss of that Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off in the early hours of Sunday at the AT & T stadium in Texas against Mexico’s El Tri.


The much anticipated game by Nigerians, which has seen the Portuguese called up a host of home based players stated with Europe based players making the starting XI.

Mexico scored an early lead in the 12th minute of the contest as Cruz Azul striker, Santiago Gimenez scored with a shot into the bottom left corner from close range.

His initial strike was saved by Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzohor but the ball bounced off the 21-year-old striker to give the North American side a deserved lead.

Mexico continued to knock on the Eagles door and just over five minutes after breaking the deadlock, they were presented another great opportunity again with Adres Guardado forcing a brilliant save off Uzohor.

Seconds afterwards, Jesus Gallardo failed to get his effort on target after the ball fell to him on the edge of Nigeria’s area, dragging a shot well wide with Uzohor well beaten.

Mexico continued to ask the questions but they could not double their advantage despite further decent chances falling to Santiago Gimenez and Guardado later in the first half.

Eight minutes after the restart, they were punished as Feyenoord striker, Cyriel Dessers restored parity for the Super Eagles with his maiden goal for the West Africans.

A well weighted cross by Rangers defender, Calvin Bassey was met by the striker, who connected well but could not enough pace and power on his header. The ball did however landed in the back of the net thanks to a mistake by Mexico goalkeeper, Rodolfo Cota.

However, the Eagles were only leveled for only a short period as in the 56th minute, Mexico's lead was restored as William Troost-Ekong's attempted clearance from a Jesus Gallardo's cross ended up beating Uzohor into the net of the Nigeria goal.

The Eagles pushed out in search for an equaliser and the ball eventually found its way to Terem Moffi in the Mexicans box after a beautiful play by Joe Aribo in the midfield. The striker did get past his marker but dragged his shot wide under pressure.

Substitute, Diego Lainez almost scored a third for Mexico in the closing stages of the game after a mistake at the back by the Eagles but Troost-Ekong was well placed to deflect the a low shot out for a corner with Uzohor well beaten.

It finished 2-1 to Mexico, who secured a deserved win after a dominant display but it is only the start for Jose Peseiro with the Eagles and there will be time for improvement.

The Eagles will face Ecuador in their next game on Friday.


Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi

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