There was a dramatic scene last night after Nigerian coaching staff Finidi George was spotted battling to get Pepe’s jersey ahead of Moses Simon after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Portugal.
OsunDaily News reports that the Super Eagles were beaten 4 to nill on Thursday night in their friendly match against the Selecao das Quinas.
However, shortly after the 2022 FIFA World Cup warm-up in favour of Estadio Jose Alvalade, George and Simon were both seen reaching out for Pepe’s jersey.
In what has become a post-game ritual, players exchange jerseys with their opponents after battling for a win on the pitch. Last night’s event, however, saw George’s countenance change after Simon denied him the chance to collect Pepe’s wear.
Although a viral video clip of the moment was inaudible, George was apparently not pleased to see Simon beat him to the jersey. The players, however, ended up having their jerseys swapped and walked away.
See the viral video clip below:
Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, acknowledged why Portugal’s Estadio Jose Alvalade beat Nigeria in their friendly match.
The head coach admitted that his team’s 4-0 loss against his native Portugal on Thursday was too much. Portugal secured their well-deserved victory thanks to goals in the second half from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario and a brace in the first half from Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
However, when Bright Osayi-Samuel was brought down, the Eagles could cut the score with a penalty kick, but Emmanuel Dennis’ attempt to pull one back from the spot was blocked by the Portuguese goalkeeper, Rui Patricio.
Peseiro said that the Eagles’ first-half performance was subpar when speaking to NFF TV after the match.
“Losing 4-0 was too much, we didn’t start well in the first half we didn’t show good organisation and we didn’t pressure the opponent. The opponent indeed has too much quality, but like I said, the first half was not good, but the second half was much better.
“I believe in the second half we showed we can so better, we missed a penalty and conceded two more goals. We must improve because we want to win the next AFCON,” he said.
