'He likes us to enjoy' - Awaziem talks about life under new coach Jose Peseiro

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has revealed what life under new Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro looks like.

The Boavista centre-back stated that the Portuguese coach likes to push his players a lot but also knows how to appreciate them.

The 25-year-old defender is part of the Super Eagles squad currently camped in the United States in preparation for their friendly against Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Friday, June 3.

In an interview with NFF TV, Awaziem revealed that the Peseiro wants his team to always enjoy themselves while playing the game as well as retain possession of the ball as much as possible.

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Awaziem said: "He is someone who likes to play football and likes his team to enjoy themselves in the game and have control of possession. 

"He is a coach that appreciates his players a lot. He pushes us a lot. Nigerians should expect nothing but the best from us."

Speaking about the upcoming friendly with Ecuador, the Boavista centre-back assured Nigerians that the squad are doing everything to ensure that they pick up a victory against the South Americans.

Awaziem acknowledged that it would be a tough game against the Enner Valencia-led Ecuadorian team but noted that the Nigerian winning culture will help them achieve victory.

"We will always give our best to come out with victory because we know Nigeria will always want to win. It is our culture. We are focused on the game with Ecuador so that we will come out with a good one," Awaziem said.

"We are all prepared for the second game against Ecuador. The training session went well. Everyone is ready for the game. It will be a tough one but we are in top shape."

Awaziem played all 90 minutes for the Super Eagles last Sunday as Peseiro lost his game in charge of the Nigerian national team to Mexico by a 2-1 scoreline at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

The 25-year-old defender spent the 2021/22 season on loan to Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor where he made 22 appearances for the club in all competitions.

He could reprise his place in the Starting XI under Peseiro for the friendly against Ecuador and the upcoming AFCON 2023 qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.