Guinea-Bissau defeats the three-time African champions at MKO Abiola Stadium on gameweek four of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Despite Nigeria’s best efforts to salvage at least a point, Mama Samba Balde’s lone goal in the first half proved to be the game’s turning point.

In an effort to please the home crowd at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola Stadium, the Super Eagles kicked off the game with the anticipated vigor.

The in-structure Victor Osimhen was given two possibilities he ordinarily would have changed over, heading wide from short proximity following five minutes and afterward neglecting to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one circumstance.

Nigeria continued to push and appeared more likely to score until Guinea-Bissau took the lead against the flow of play in the 29th minute.

With a delightful pass over the Nigerian defense, Opa Sangante found Mama Samba Balde on the run. The striker controlled the ball beautifully and slotted it through Francis Uzoho’s legs.

For a nation with high-flying forwards in European football, Nigeria lacked the necessary cutting edge in the final third, despite continuing to create dangerous scenarios.

Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu started the second half off the bench in place of Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho, respectively, after Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro made two halftime substitutions to try to change the outcome. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to score an equalizer.

Kevin Akpoguma sustained what appeared to be a serious head injury, necessitating a delay and, ultimately, Semi Ajayi’s substitution in the 55th minute.

Shortly after, Simon missed a good chance after being cleverly set up by the lively Samuel Chukwueze. He shot wide of the goal.

In preparation for this month’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau, head coach José Santos Peseiro has invited team captain Ahmed Musa, in-form Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and 20 other players to the Super Eagles’ camp.

Nigeria and Guinea Bissau clash at the Moshood Abiola Public Arena, Abuja from 5pm on Friday, 24th Walk, and afterward make it a second date at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Monday, 27th Walk, likewise beginning from 5pm.

Kenneth Omeruo, a defender from Spain, makes his return alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, two enforcers in the midfield. Bruno Onyemaechi, a defender from Portugal, gets a chance to compete for a shirt with Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kevin Akpoguma, and Calvin Bassey.

The usual suspects Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, and Paul Onuachu are also called up, as is the Portugal-based left back Zaidu Sanusi.

Daniel Bameyi is named captain of the Nigeria U20 team, which came in third place at the recent Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. Chijioke Aniagboso is the team’s goalkeeper.

Victor Sochima, an experienced goalkeeper who has helped Rivers United FC get closer to a CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal spot, will compete with Francis Uzoho for the No. 1 jersey.

On Sunday, March 19, players are anticipated to begin arriving at the team camp in Abuja. The Djurtus are in second place with four points from their defeats of Sao Tome and Principe and the Leone Stars, respectively, while table-toppers Nigeria are on maximum six points from their defeats of Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

Osimhen, who plays for the Eagles out of Italy, has scored 23 goals in 28 matches this season, four of which have helped his team reach the last eight of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. He also scored four goals when the Eagles beat Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in a record international scoreline nine months ago in Agadir, Morocco.

Invited Players in full:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Kingsley Aniagboso (Giant Brillars)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Calvin Bassey (FC Ajax, The Netherlands); Daniel Bameyi (YumYum FC); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England)

The Nigeria women national team have gotten their campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in the groove again following their vital 2-0 win over the Mares of Botswana, Thursday night in Rabat.

An goal in the first half by Ifeoma Onumonu and one more by substitute Christy Ucheibe a couple of moments into the 2nd half saw Nigeria voyage to triumph at the Moulay Hassan FUS, Rabat Stadium.

After Monday’s woeful performance against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa, the Falcons needed the three points in Thursday’s Group C clash.

Randy Waldrum’s side put up an improved display which was enough to see them get the result that keeps them both in contention for a World Cup ticket as well as a record-extending 10th title.

Botswana 0-2 Nigeria Highlights

Group C – Standing