Following a 2-0 defeat to Guinea, a result which further dampened hopes that the Nigeria could really compete for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Jose Peseiro has offered up a response to quell the growing discontent.

A goal in each half of the friendly match, also a pre-AFCON exhibition game, exposed the Super Eagles defensive frailties as well as the gaping loophole in a lightweight midfield.

However, recognizing the dire need to keep the morale of supporting fans, Peseiro explained what transpired by the closed door game at the Baniyas Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Among the reasons given for what was an “unexpected” defeat, Peseiro insists squad rotation and experimenting a new formation exposed the team.

“We tested a new system today; 3-4-3,” the 65 year-old started. “I think we had a very good first half of course we trailed 1 nil by half time, but we had a penalty and two or three clear chances. I think we deserved more in the first half than the second half.”

“In the second half it was more balanced between the teams and you look for the result when you play against teams with good speed and counter attack. It is also not easy when you lose the balance in the midfield which made us change to 4-4-3 afterwards.

“They got three or four attacking situations including the second goal, but I’m happy with the team.”

“I changed the team; I didn’t use all the players and tried to manage them for both games – we used two first XIs. I was happy with the first half but not so much the second half.”

“We lost 2-0 but it was not a fair result for how we performed.”

The Super Eagles are now on a brief inglorious run of failing to win any of their last three competition games, drawing two and losing one.

But, as it is just a pre-tournament friendly, Monday’s game is a good litmus test for the team to falter now and excel later, the Portuguese suggested.

“I prefer to win than lose, but it’s not so important when you try a new system. Like I said before we had a good first half.

“We conceded from a mistake, but I believe it’s better to make those mistakes now than later. The second half was not good but not entirely bad.”

“We had to rotate the squad, some of the players got their first chance with the team, Yusuf for instance and Stanley as well.”

Goals from 22 year-old midfielder, Aguibou Camara (14′) and 18 year-old Facinet Conte, either side of Moses Simon’s missed penalty kick, settled the encounter.

Jose Peseiro will now turn his attention to striving for adding another winner’s golden star to Nigeria’s badge when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this weekend.

The first game for Nigeria will be against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, on January 14.