Super Eagles on Monday avenged their AFCON 2023 qualifying shock home loss to the Wild Dogs, by repaying their Guinea Bissau opponents with the same 1-0 defeat at a packed Estadio 24 de Setembro, Bissau.
After the criticisms that trailed last Friday\s capitulation at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the Super Eagles yesterday restored their image courtesy of Simon Moses first half penalty over an ambitious Guinea Bissau in the match day four 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group A series.
In retrospect, the goal by the Super Eagles, which turned out to be the only for the duration of play was netted at almost the same time that Guinea Bissau scored scored their goal when both sides clashed in the first leg. It came in the 30th minute after a Guinea Bissau hacked down a Nigerian attacker.
French Ligue 1 exponent Moses Simon expertly fired in the ball and moved the Super Eagles top of the group with nine points, while Guinea Bissau dropped to second position with seven points.
Moses Simon’s breakthrough goal eased much of the tension that had gripped Eagles manager Jose Peseiro, whose coaching credentials were questioned after the fall of the three-time African champions.
Parading a litany of foreign stars in his squad, the Eagles were in the build up to the AFCON qualifying double header expected to roll over Guinea Bissau but even though they did not shine like galaxy of stars they did get the much needed victory that put them back right back in the mix and on course for a qualification ticket to the next AFCON tournament holding next year January in Ivory Coast.
.
Napoli top striker Victor Osimhen could have increased Eagles lead on 58 minutes but his shot hit the woodwork and Guinea Bissau almost equalised some minutes later but Eagles central defence manned by Kenneth Omeruo/Semi Ajayi stood tall, even as Bright Osayi-Samuel showed grit and majesty as Nigeria ran out with a 1-0 win.
