Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Monday moved back to the top of Group A in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification (AFCON2023Q) series after a slim 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in Bissau.
The Eagles had relinquished their lead in the group to the Wild Dogs last Friday in Abuja when they went down by similar scoreline in an underwhelming display at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Jose Peseiro’s men however bounced back with Monday’s win courtesy of a 30th minute spot kick dispatched by Nantes of France winger Daddy Moses Simon who sent the goalkeeper the wrong way after the lively Bright Osayi-Samuel was upended inside the box.
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For this win, Peseiro made five changes to the Eagles team that lost in Abuja, replacing the centre back pair of Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey with Semi Ajayi and Kenneth Omeruo who captained the side on Monday.
Leicester City duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi were also axed Terem Moffi and Frank Onyeka respectively while Moses Simon took the place of Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria were not really in danger all through the game and the Eagles could really have scored more in the second half but striker Victor Osimhen was denied by the woodwork while substitute Joe Aribo was denied by a brilliant goalkeeping save.
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Team captain Ahmed Musa came on for his usual cameo late on while Wilfred Ndidi also replaced Samuel Chukwueze who had another day to forget in the national colours.
Monday’s slim win means Nigeria need only three points from their final two games and more importantly, the Eagles could seal qualification if they avoid defeat against Sierra Leone in Morocco in their next game in June.
Super Eagles AFCON2023Q starting XI away to Guinea Bissau: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Omeruo, Sanusi; Onyeka, Iwobi; Chukwueze (Ndidi 80′), Moffi (Aribo 61′), Osimhen, Simon (Musa 90+4′)
