Nigeria Super Eagles claimed a 2-0 win over Cotonsport, a top-flight club based in Garoua, in their pre-tournament tune-up game on Friday.
Captain Ahmed Musa and Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze scored in either half to lead Austin Eguavoen’s men to a comfortable win over the 15-time champions of Cameroon’s top-flight league.
Nigeria are in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau at the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Eguavoen fielded a different starting XI in both stanzas of the game with first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, William Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo making up the defence in the first half.
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While Wilfred Ndidi, Jo Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ejuke and skipper Ahmed Musa, all lined up behind Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Musa, who had given the Super Eagles the lead earlier, went off for Alex Iwobi in the half’s only change as they maintained the lead until the halftime break.
However, before the resumption of hostilities in the second half, Eguavoen made ten changes; shot stopper Francis Uzoho replaced Okoye; Olisa Ndah, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem joined the backline that still had Sanusi.
In midfield, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Nwakali and Alex Iwobi paired up while Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Sadiq Umar were tasked with getting the goals upfront.
The only goal in the second half was scored by Chukwueze after a great run from Moses Simon, who was introduced earlier in the game, to see out the win for Eguavoen’s men.
As the quest for a fourth continental title begins, the Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in their opening game on Tuesday.
