AFCON Qualifier: Again, Super Eagles failed to soar at the M.K.O Abiola in Abuja, lost to Guinea Bissau
The Matchday 3 of the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and The Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau ended 0-1 at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium in Abuja to the disappointment of Nigerians home and abroad. It was the second meeting between the two countries on the senior international stage with the last meeting at the 2022 AFCON group stage where Nigeria defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0
France-based Mama Samba Balde opened the scoring for the visitors in the 30min of the game to silence the home crowd in only his 2nd international goal for his country as the game ended 0-1 at halftime. Super Eagles coach Jose Paseiro made two changes at Halftime as Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu came in to replace Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho
The second half started with the Super Eagles pushing hard for an equalizer. Semi Ajayi came in to replace injured Kevin Akpoguma in the 53rd minute while Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Wilfred Ndidi, and Osimhen had chances to equalize but all efforts proved abortive. Frank Onyeka came in to replace Ndidi in the 67th minute as the Nigeria team continues to look for a way to strike a balance in the midfield.
Nigeria dominated possession but could not convert their chances, team captain Ahmed Musa came in to replace Samuel Chukwueze in the 86minute to make his 108th appearance for the three-time African Champions
The disappointing result came again almost a year after angry Nigerian supporters stormed the pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja after the national team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Nigeria drops to the second position with 6pts in Group A while Guinea Bissau moves to the top with 7 points, the second leg of the game comes up next Tuesday, March 28 in Bissau
Braceradio
