Why the Super Eagles did not defeat Zimbabwe – Peseiro

Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro says his players were tired, reason they failed to hit the required level to defeat Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe hosted the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matchday two fixture at the Huye Stadium on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Walter Musonda stunned the Super Eagles when he beat goalkeeper Francis Uzoho with a free-kick from 30-yards.

Zimbabwe looked on-course for a first-win over Nigeria since 1981 until Kelechi Iheanacho scored the equalizing goal in the 67th minute to force a 1-1 draw.

A second straight draw for the Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles raised questions over the teams chances of qualifying from group C.

Embattled head coach, Peseiro has blamed the draw on tiredness, saying the players did not have enough rest after the trip from Uyo to Rwanda.

“The trip from Uyo to here (Rwanda), the bus ride, flight, many hours,” he said in his post-match press conference. “So I think the players didn’t get enough rest to play the level expected.

“First half was very bad, second half was much better but we lacked energy to push for a win.”

On whether the absence of some key players contributed to the team’s failure to record a win:“We missed Osimhen, Ndidi, Taiwo, Zaidu, Chukwueze but I think we had enough to beat Zimbabwe.“