Coach José Peseiro-tutored Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday evening in Abuja and started their 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on a winning note by defeating the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 2-1.
Former Green Eagles star, Felix Owolabi, however, said that it was too early to judge the team’s performance.
Owolabi made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to the outcome of the match played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The team had to come from behind to beat the visitors, who went ahead to score a well-deserved goal in the 11th minute of the encounter.
Sierra Leone’s Jonathan Morsay got the opener through a well-delivered pull-out from his compatriot, Alhassan Koroma.
The Super Eagles responded five minutes later through Everton FC of England winger, Alex Iwobi’s low drive.
The goal came from a beautiful exchange of passes with Nantes of France winger, Moses Simon.
Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, was beaten for the equalizer.
Nigeria’s and Napoli FC of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen, however, got the match-winner in the 41st minute of the encounter.
With the all-needed three points in the kitty, Owolabi, a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad, cautioned against being judgmental and critical of the team.
“It is too early to choose any adjective to describe the Eagles’ because now, they are a new team and they played well as individuals.
“We just employed a new coach and this is his first competitive game. So, we can’t assess him with just a game, he needs our support to succeed.
“As someone who has seen it all in football, it will be difficult for me to pass judgment on him. The coach just gathered the team.
“During the game, the coach made some changes and the reason is that he did not get it right, so, he needed a change, to reinforce. For me, the team needs breathing space,” he said.
The Super Eagles are in the second position in Group A standing following the 5-1 victory of Guinea-Bissau over Sao Tome and Principe on Thursday.
They will travel to Morocco for their second game of the AFCON qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe on June 13.
