The Super Eagles of Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Guinea-Bissau in match day three of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, www.aclsports.com reports.
Having taken maximum points from their opening two games, Jose Peseiro’s side came into this fixture with the chance to extend their lead at the top of Group A. However, the visitors gave a spirited performance and deservedly walked away with all three points.
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria flew out of the blocks early and created a couple of chances in the opening quarter of the game. Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho found themselves in decent positions but they were not given the space to aim at goal.
Moments later, it was Victor Osimhen’s turn to get a sniff of goal but goalkeeper Jonas Asvedo did well to deny him from close range.
Despite the large chunk of ball possession, the Eagles failed to create quality chances that could lead to goal. Midway through the game, the Djurtus got the game’s opening as a long searching ball from Opa Sangante was taken down by Samba Balde brilliantly before finishing calmly past the onrushing Uzoho.
At the other end, Nigeria tried to create clear goalscoring chances of their own but the visitors were resolute at the back and they were able to maintain the lead until the break.
Jose Peseiro introduced Paul Onuachu and Moses Simon in place of Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho before the start of the second half and that added some bite to the Eagles attack.
Substitute Simon found himself unmarked in the area where he should have at least hit the target, but the Nantes forward missed criminally – much to the relief of the away side.
Moments later, the impressive Bright Osayi Samuel kept bumping forward on the right and one of his crosses found Onuachu in the box but the lanky forward couldn’t find the target.
Another chance fell to Wilfred Ndidi as he was put through on goal by Osimhen, but the Premier League midfielder’s tame effort was cleared away by one of the retracting defenders. Not to long after, Osimhen got a chance of his own but his shot on goal was straight into the waiting arms of Asvedo.
Meanwhile, the introduction of Frank Onyeka and Ahmed Musa in the final twenty minutes of the game failed to produce a comeback or an equalizer as the visitors see out a memorable win.
The win leaves Nigeria second with six points in Group A, one point adrift of Guinea Bissau. Although the Super Eagles were beaten tonight, the second leg of this encounter will come up on Monday at Estadio 24 de Setembro, Bissau and kickoff has been fixed for 5pm (Nigerian time).
