Super Eagles face 2-0 defeat in pre-AFCON friendly against Guinea

Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced 2-0 defeat against Guinea in a friendly match ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The three-time African champions faced Guinea at the Bani Yas Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the game aimed to prepare the team for the upcoming tournament.

The match saw an early setback for Nigeria, as Guinea took the lead in the 14th minute, putting Nigeria on the back foot.

Despite this, Nigeria had several opportunities to level the score, including a penalty awarded to Sadiq Umar in the 19th minute.

However, their hopes were dashed as the Guinean goalkeeper denied Moses Simon from the spot, maintaining Guinea’s lead.

In the second half, Nigeria struggled to find their rhythm, conceding a second goal in the 64th minute.

In an effort to turn the tide, coach Jose Peseiro made several late changes, with Omeruo, Onyedika, and Awaziem making way for Bassey, Iwobi, and Onyeka respectively, in the 73rd minute.

Ten minutes later, Aribo, Musa, and Lookman entered the game, replacing Alhassan, Chukwueze, and Simon, but it was already too late for any major upset to happen, as Guinea succeeded in maintain a clean sheet.