Nigeria’s Super Eagles Lose 2-0 to Guinea in Pre-AFCON Friendly

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2-0 defeat against Guinea in a pre-AFCON friendly match in Abu Dhabi
• Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will host a special dinner for the Super Eagles before their departure for AFCON

In a crucial pre-AFCON friendly, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a setback, succumbing 2-0 to Guinea in a match held yesterday at Abu Dhabi’s Bani Yas Stadium. The defeat marks Nigeria’s first loss in the preparatory fixtures for the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations, commencing on January 13th in Cote d’Ivoire.

Guinea seized the initiative with an early goal in the 14th minute and secured a second in the 64th minute, leaving Nigeria on the back foot in this encounter.

Ahead of their departure to Cote d’Ivoire for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, Lagos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, is set to host a special dinner for the Super Eagles. The event, scheduled tonight, will precede the team’s departure this weekend.

The dinner, organized by the State Government, will see the Sports Development Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, as a co-host. Distinguished guests include Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State), and Godwin Obaseki (Edo State).

The Nigerian contingent for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations is poised to depart Lagos on Wednesday morning for a brief 80-minute flight to Abidjan. In Group A, they will face host nation Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.

Meanwhile, Coach Chris Musa Danjuma has announced the selection of a formidable squad, including Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defender Shukurat Oladipo, and midfielder Taiwo Afolabi. These players, part of the Falconets of Nigeria, will compete in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying fixture against Burundi’s U20 girls in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this Sunday.

The chosen squad also features goalkeeper Shukura Bakare, defenders Jumoke Alani and Oluwabunmi Oladeji, midfielders Adoo Yina and Chima Olise, along with forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Janet Akekoromowei, Yemisi Samuel, and Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists are set to depart Nigeria today for the first leg encounter, with the return leg scheduled at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday, 20th January.