Super Eagles head Coach Jose Peseiro jumped into the defense of his predecessor coach Austin Eguavoen.

Eguavoen was criticized following the Super Eagles’ elimination from last African Cup Nations back in January.

Recall the three-time African Champions advanced from the Group with a Perfect 3-0 record, but surprisingly lost in the round of 16 to a depleted Tunisia.

Speaking ahead of the match with Sierra Leone, Peseiro identified what he considered the defining moment of the game.

“In the last AFCON, our team was the best, but lacked good fortune with that crazy red card. The VAR in that moment made red card out of nothing,” Peseiro offered up his explanation for Nigeria’s ouster.

“The team was better than Tunisia, even with ten men and created many opportunities to score and win.”

“I understand, fans don’t see these moments, because of emotion, but I saw it and I know the team played well,” the Portuguese said.