Irate fans disagree with Peseiro over team selections

The disappointing draw against Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers opener has left Super Eagles fans disheartened and vocal about the much-needed changes they would like to see manager Jose Peseiro make to the team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The lacklustre performance, particularly by players like Francis Uzoho, Ademola Lookman, and Jamilu Collins, has sparked outrage among supporters who are now clamouring for adjustments ahead of the upcoming match against Mozambique.

Peseiro has also been urged to rest Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, following his recent return from injury, suggesting that optimal match fitness might have made a difference in his gameplay.

The Portuguese tactician has, however, been saved the headache of resting the Forest striker after it was confirmed that he would miss the Eagles next game due to a groin injury.

Moses Oduyemi, an avid follower of the team, pinpointed goalkeeper Uzoho as the number one Eagle who should be benched.

“Uzoho's performance has been shaky lately, in fact, it has always been shaky, the only thing he has done that I can remember was when he had 11 or 12 saves against Man United and that was last year,” he told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“It's time for a change between the posts. We need a keeper who instils confidence in the defense. They have invited Amas Obasogie, let them give him a try. This coach is a joke, asides Uzoho, why would he play Iheanacho at the wing when he has Moses Simon on the bench?”

Deborah Uforomma, an ardent Super Eagles supporter, expressed her disappointment with Lookman's performance saying, “Lookman was far from satisfactory. I expected a lot more based on what I have seen him do at Atalanta but he seemed disconnected from the game. I think Simon or Boniface would have done better on the wing against Lesotho.”

Jimoh John emphasised the need for a stronger midfield telling PUNCH Sports Extra that one of the strikers could have been sacrificed to have a stronger midfield.

“Our midfield lacked creativity against Lesotho. Peseiro should have considered reshuffling and giving younger talents a chance to shine. He knew that he was lacking the strength of Ndidi and he decided to play Alex Iwobi who is a no.10 beside Frank Onyeka and that was all he expected to control the midfield.

“He should have used Raphael Onyedika also and played Iwobi up while Onyeka held up the back and Onyedika gave cover. Lookman was not contributing and Awoniyi was struggling with fitness. When things weren't working, one of them should have been sacrificed to help the midfield,” John told PUNCH Sports Extra.

Olatipe Fasuyi echoed similar sentiments but this time, a defender was the one who was asked to be benched saying, “Collins needs to step up his game. We can't afford such lapses, especially against tougher opponents. Perhaps sitting this next one out could refocus him. He did not join the attack at all and maybe that is even why Lookman suffered on that left flank.”

The dissatisfaction with the team's performance against Lesotho has extended beyond individual players. Many fans have called for a reevaluation of Peseiro's strategies and have questioned his ability to lead the team effectively.

Tosin Soyemi, a Nigerian in diaspora, believes Peseiro has become too predictable and does not adapt to the game in real-time.

“Peseiro's tactics seemed outdated against Lesotho. He needs to adapt to the strengths of the players and the opponents. Otherwise, we'll continue to struggle,” he said.

Precious Ogbolu who watched the game alongside other embattled fans at a viewing centre in Festac, Lagos State believes that this Eagles side he has watched cannot win the AFCON next year.

“I had high hopes for these guys, very high hopes but the display on Wednesday disappointed me. I don't think this coach knows what he is doing. He is just getting paid and they said Jose Mourinho recommended him.

“Even if Mourinho comes and coaches this team I saw, I don't think we can win the AFCON next year and it will be very hard for us to qualify for the World Cup,” Ogbolu told PUNCH Sports Extra.

With emotions running high and stakes escalating for the forthcoming match against Mozambique, Super Eagles fans are fervently hoping for changes within the team to ensure a more convincing and triumphant display on the field.