THE Super Eagles redeemed themselves today with a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash in Bissau.
The Nigerian side had shockingly lost the reverse fixture by the same score on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to cede top spot in their group to the Djurtus.
The three-time African champions posted a much more fluid and composed performance today in Bissau, with Moses Simon scoring the only goal of the encounter.
The Nantes forward struck from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after the impressive Bright Osayi-Samuel was brought down in the Guinea-Bissau box.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro started today with a different line-up from the Abuja disaster, introducing five new players.
Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi and Simon were all in the starting line-up, with Calvin Bassey, the injured Kevin Akpoguma, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman making way.
Unlike their lethargic display in Abuja, the Super Eagles were off to a bright start in Bissau, and almost took a second minute lead when Omeruo’s header forced a smart save.
The hosts then responded quickly, Mama Samba Balde, who scored in Abuja, blasting over from the edge of the Nigeria box.
Moffi and Victor Osimhen then came close for the Eagles, both missing target from good positions.
The positive play from the Super Eagles bore fruit when the impressive Osayi-Samuel ran at the Guinea-Bissau defence to draw a foul in their box.
Simon stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly sent the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Super Eagles were largely in control after the break, with Alex Iwobi and Onyeka running the midfield smoothly and the defence coping with Guinea-Bissau’s attack.
Osimhen almost added to his five goals in the qualifying campaign in the 59th minute but his low shot hit the base of the upright.
Guinea-Bissau came closest to levelling the score just after the hour mark but Balde’s shot trickled just wide after he latched on to a defence-splitting pass.
The Super Eagles held on to claim all three points and returned to the top of qualifying Group A with nine points, two ahead of Guinea-Bissau.
Sierra Leone are third with five points, while Sao Tome and Principe are bottom with one point.
