Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has said he expects a tough game for the Super Eagles when they take on Saudi Arabia in Friday’s international friendly in Portugal.
The Eagles and Saudi Arabia will clash for the second time after playing a 0-0 draw in their first meeting which was also a friendly in 2010.
The three-time Asian champions shocked the football world at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after defeating a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side 2-1.
Peseiro, who was coach of Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2011, said he anticipates a difficult contest for his side.
“Saudi was the last team to beat Argentina so I expect a hard match and also a good match for our team and we will start on the front foot against them,” the Portuguese said in his press conference on Thursday.
He said his target in the friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique is a win, stating “We want to beat Saudi Arabia and Mozambique so as to prepare well for the first two games of the World Cup qualifiers because Nigeria must play the next World Cup.”
Peseiro explained why the doubleheader games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique are important for his players.
“It is good for us to play friendlies in the international window, it is a moment you have the players to improve organisation, spirit, and connection among them.
“We have a fantastic atmosphere at this moment, we need time to improve the team because if you want to win the AFCON you need to step up, practice, and improve our team.
“It’s good that we could invite 25 players who we believe in unfortunately some of them could not come due to injury and other problems.”
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