After Nigeria failed to go ahead of South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification standings following their 1-1 draw to Zimbabwe on Sunday, a Super Eagles stars has explained why they struggled in their latest match.
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The west African powerhouse have not got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the best start after their opening two Group C matches.
First, the three-time African champions failed to get the better of Lesotho as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw last Thursday.
South Africa, on the other hand, were able secure a victory for themselves when they beat Benin 2-1, placing them at the top of the group standings.
Jose Peseiro's charges had the opportunity to go ahead of their long-time rivals this past Sunday when they travelled to Rwanda to take on Zimbabwe in their second qualifier of the international break.
Things did not go according to plan for them on that occasion, however, with Nigeria needing a 67th minute Kelechi Iheanacho equaliser to salvage a draw against the Warriors.
The result leaves Nigeria one point behind Bafana Bafana, with Hugo Broos' men having played a game less.
When former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi was asked why they were unable to defeat Zimbabwe, the winger turned midfielder said, as per Daily Post: "He [Jose Peseiro] has already said the travel was a lot for us, after the game [against Lesotho] we had to fly four hours then another three-hour coach down here which was not easy but as a player, we should not use that as an excuse. We are professional enough and we have lots of quality in the side."
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It seems that Peseiro is now under tremendous pressure as the team's preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in January begin, with many within the country calling for him to be fired ahead of the continental showpiece.
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