Coach José Santos Peseiro has opted to remain positive, despite the challenges facing his squad ahead of the friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador.
Peseiro will prosecute his first game in charge of the Super Eagles without some key players.
Captain Ahmed Musa, Maduka Okoye, defenders Zaidu Sanusi and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo, Azubuike Okechukwu, Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar are the players who pulled out of games due to visa hitches, injuries and career concerns took their toll.
“You have to be practical and face the challenges when they come this way or any other way. Peseiro said after the Friday’s training session.
“We would have loved to have everyone here and see how well they have put the World Cup miss behind them and forged on.”
“But what we have is what we have. I have chosen to be positive and I have resolved to work hard to use the resources available to make Nigeria great again.
The Portuguese however defended the players who pulled out of the games, adding the situations wasn’t created by them.
“I am happy we have such an excellent pool of players who are committed and ready to give their all every time. This situation was not something they created; challenges do turn up that way.”
The Eagles will battle Mexico’s El Tri, perennial CONCACAF champions, at the AT&T Stadium situated at the AT&T Way in Arlington on Saturday, 28th May, as from 7pm Texas time (1am, Sunday 29th May in Nigeria).
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