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Nigeria to host Guinea Bissau in Abuja on March 24

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Super Eagles to host Guinea Bissau in Abuja on March 24

Nigeria, Guinea Olympics qualifier holds in Ibadan March 22…

Nigeria’s Matchday 3 African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau will hold at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on March 24, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said yesterday.

The NFF also said that Guinea Bissau’s football federation, Federação de Futebol da Guiné-Bissau, has not picked a date for the second match, which could hold either on March 27 or 28 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech. 

Guinea Bissau plays its home games away from home as it does not have a CAF-approved playing turf in the country of slightly over two million people. On the first day of the qualifying series, the Super Eagles fought back from a ferocious start to the game, and an 11th minute goal by Jonathan Morsay, to defeat the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 2-1 in Abuja, after Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen hit back hard at the visitors.

On Day 2, away in the Moroccan city of Agadir and in only the second competitive match for Coach José Santos Peseiro, the Eagles set a new international win-record, defeating Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 with four of the goals by Osimhen. Terem Moffi (with a brace), Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis completed the carnage.Victory in both matches against the Wild Dogs will certainly pave the Eagles’ path to Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

Meanwhile, 1996 champions, Nigeria, will press ahead with their objective of a second Olympic football gold medal when they host Guinea in an U-23 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on March 22.

A penalty in each half, and at opposing sides, guaranteed a stalemate in the first leg of the second-round fixture against Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam in October last year, before a textbook free-kick by Timilehin Ogunniyi and another penalty by captain Success Makanjuola in the return in Ibadan saw the Eagles sail to the final round.

The clash in Ibadan will determine, after both legs, which of Nigeria and Guinea will progress to the fourth Africa U-23 Cup of Nations to be staged in Morocco later in the year.

Nigeria won the second Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal in 2015, and then won the bronze medal at the men’s Olympic football tournament in Brazil the following year.

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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Rating Of Nigeria Super Eagles Players

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The Nigerian Super Eagles came through with a big win in the reverse fixture against Guinea-Bissau before their host fans, all thanks to Moses Simon first half spot kick which separated the two sides at full time.

With the win, the Nigeria Super Eagles thus makes up for it’s disappointing first leg loss and has gone ahead to top the group following their slim win in Guinea-Bissau.

Following the team exciting outing, below is a rating of the individual performances of the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

1. Francis Uzoho (7/10)
Uzoho was much more composed in the Eagles big win. The Cyprus based goalkeeper had few moments but they few times he was called to action, he gave a good save to keep the Eagles ahead.

2. Bright Samuel-Osayi (10/10)
Arguably Super Eagles man of the match, Samuel-Osayi was a beauty playing from the right back position.

The Fenerbache Defender seamless movement offensively gifted the team the penalty which produced the only goal.

3. Zaidu Sanusi (8/10)
Unlike in the first leg, Zaidu was a handful for the team. The FC Porto was solid defensively and caused more harms offensively. Formed a good partnership with Moses Simon down the channel.

4. Kenneth Omeruo (8/10)
Leganes defender,. Kenneth Omeruo was drafted in to take the place of Calvin Bassey in the game. The experienced center back brought in lots of experience to the backline as he made timely tackles and clearance.

5. Semi Ajayi (8/10)
Ajayi gave a good account of himself. Great partnership with Omeruo but had his rating reduced the few times he gave away balls cheaply as well few moments of indesicion.

6. Frank Onyeka (8/10)
Onyeka who took the place of Wilfred Ndidi showed character and resilient. Onyeka was virtually everywhere, won most second balls which helped the team maintain possession.

7. Alex Iwobi (9/10)
Iwobi came to the party and gave in his all. The Everton man was virtually everyone and strived to make things happen for the Eagles from the middle of the park.

8. Samuel Chukwueze (8/10)
A decent one from Samuel Chukwueze, his cohesion with Samuel-Osayi made their wing lively but had his rating reduced as he failed to make key moments count.

9. Moses Simon (8/10)
Scored the winning goal, Moses Simon who took the place of Ademola Lookman in the starting XI was lively to his duties, formed a great working partnership alongside Zaidu Sanusi down the line.

10. Terem Moffi (8/10)
Moffi who took thee place of Kelechi Iheanacho in the starting XI had a good show. The OG Nice striker partnership with Victor Osimhen was decent but failed to convert few begging chances.

11. Victor Osimhen (8/10)
Napel striker, Osimhen was lively today unlike in the first game in Abuja. Osimhen was presented with few goal scoring opportunities but failed to utilize.

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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Super Eagles Starting XI

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Barely few minutes away from Nigeria Super Eagles all important fixture against the ‘Wild Dogs’ of Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria Super Eagles gaffer, Jose Peseiro, has rolled out a stars studded starting XI for the game.

Coach Jose Peseiro effected (5) changes in the starting XI against Guinea-Bissau in Nigeria as they hope to redeem themselves in the reverse fixture.

In his traditional formation, Coach Jose Peseiro opted for Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho in between the sticks.

In a four man defence set-up, Peseiro opted for the backline duo of Kenneth Omeruo with Semi Ajayi coming in to take the place of injured Kevin Akpoguma.

In the right and left back position, impressive Samuel Osayi retained it’s place at the right back and Zaidu Sanusi from the left.

In the middle of the park, Peseiro unleashed Frank Onyeka to play from the defence midfield position alongside Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi.

Down the flanks, Jose Peseiro opted for the duo of Samuel Chukwueze playing from the right hand channel and Moses Simon playing from the left hand.

With Victor Osimhen fit, the Napoli striker has been handed the role to lead attack for the Eagles with Terem Moffi playing from the supportive role.



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Full list: Super Falcons invite Oparanozie, Oshoala, 21 others For International Friendly camp

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Nigeria Super Falcons gaffer, Randy Waldron, through the NFF communication department have released a 23-player squad list for the team international friendly fixtures against, Haiti and New Zealand in April.

In the stars studded list, Randy Waldrum recalled erstwhile Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie for the team test games before the world cup

Alongside Oparanozie, Waldrum invited 40-year-old Abia Angels defender and captain Onome Ebi, Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade. There was also room for young Rivers Angels midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Stade de Reims duo of Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin. Abia Angels goalkeeper Inyene Etim also received a first invitation to the squad for the friendlies in Antalya, Turkey.

The team will take on Haiti on April 7th before playing a second game against the World Cup co-hosts New Zealand on April 11th. The Super Falcons secured a narrow win over Costa Rica in their last friendly at the Revelations Cup, ending a dire run of seven defeats. The goalscorer in that game, Esther Okoronkwo, was also invited for this set of friendlies.

Here is the Super Falcons squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Yewande Balogun, Inyene Etim.

Defenders: Onome Ebi, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Glory Ogbonna, Rofiat Imuran, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie.

Midfielders: Regina Otu, Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday.

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