New Eagles manager Jose Peseiro says he is happy with the performance despite 1-2 loss to Mexico

NEW Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has expressed satisfaction with the way the team played during his first game in charged despite losing 1-2 to Mexico yesterday saying he sees potential for the future in their performance.

Yesterday, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Mexico's El Tri beat the Super Eagles 2-1 thanks to a 12th minute strike from Santiago Giménez and an own goal from skipper William Ekong in the 56th minute. Cyriel Dessers had brought Nigeria level in the 52nd minute when he headed home a cross from Calvin Bassey.

Ina  game of two halves, the Mexicans totally dominated the first 45 minutes but the Eagles came back in the second stanza. Mr Peseiro, who was in charge of the team for the first time, said he liked the response of his players in the second half and credited their desire and character in the game.

He added: “In the first half, Mexico was much better than us. In the second half, I think we had more balance. We had better control of the ball. In the second half it was much better.

"We lost and I think Mexico had more opportunities. It was a loss but I’m happy with the performance of my players. They showed character because after what Mexico did to us in the first half, we improved much in the second half.”

Nigeria will now next face Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Thursday, June 2 in another friendly game. More players are expected to arrive in camp for the game, while Mr Peseiro's rebuilding programme is set to continue with more training sessions.