Afcon 2023: Peseiro explains Eagles lost to Guinea, says Iheanacho will join mates soon

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has said he tried new formations in his side’s friendly defeat to Guinea on Monday.

Peseiro’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat in the encounter played at Banis Yas Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Aguibou Camara and Facinet Conte scored in each half for the Syli Stars.

The Portuguese claimed the change in formation affected his team’s performance.

“We tested a new system today, 3-4-3. We did a very good first half, we were losing 1-0 then, but we deserved more,” he told the NFF TV.

“We lost a penalty and missed two, three clear chances.

“We played very well and put the other team on the back foot, but we let in a goal through a mistake. But it’s better to make the mistakes now than later.”

The coach also revealed that Kelechi Iheanacho is now ready to join the rest of the Super Eagles squad.

Iheanacho’s arrival at the team’s camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was delayed due to a muscular problem.

Peseiro revealed that the forward has completed treatment for the injury at his Sky Bet Championship club, Leicester City.

“Kelechi will arrive Cote d’Ivoire. He has finished the treatment at Leicester City,” Peseiro told NFF.

His Leicester City teammate, Wilfred Ndidi has already been ruled out of the competition due to injury.

Bayer Leverkusen star, Victor Boniface will also also miss the AFCON with a groin injury.

The competition will start this weekend, with the opening game between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.