Nigeria men's national team secured a sweet revenge as they earned a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau in the second leg of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier encounter on Monday.
On Friday, Mame Balde's first half strike had condemned the Super Eagles to a shocking 1-0 defeat at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, leaving Jose Peseiro in need of a win to reclaim their top spot in Group A.
The Portuguese tactician, who has been criticized for last Friday’s loss, made five changes in the Super Eagles for the second leg against Guinea Bissau on Monday as they aim to avenge the shock loss at home.
Peseiro made five changes to the squad that lost in Abuja, with Kenneth Omeruo paired Friday substitute Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, and Terem Moffi were paired in the midfield.
The Super Eagles made a strong start in search for goals as they found two corner kicks. The pressure led to stand-in captain Kenneth Omeruo forcing Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes into a scrambling save.
The home side, however, came close in the in the sixth minute when Frank Onyeka lost the ball but Alfa Semedo fired wide before Moffi had a shot blocked for a corner in the seventh minute.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, who continued at right back, powered into the Guinea Bissau box and Fali Cande brought him down and Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz immediately pointed to the spot in the 29th minute.
Simon stepped up to take the responsibility and sent Mendes the wrong way to give Nigeria the lead from resultant penalty in the 30th minute.
The hosts almost leveled matters when Zaidu Sanusi left his defensive position but they blew the chance as Francis Uzoho remained untested throughout the first half.
After the restart, Osimhen almost doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 58th minute but his effort came off the post before Peseiro sent on Joe Aribo for Moffi on the hour and leave the Napoli man as the lone striker.
From a resultant throw, Dalcio almost found the net but the Eagles scrambled a clearance and Sanusi conceded space and allowed a player to get past him but Simon came to the rescue and conceded a corner in the 66th minute.
Aribo’s goal-bound shot was parried over in the 70th minute as the Eagles laboured for a second goal but ensure they hold on to go back to the top of Group A with nine points. Their next match is away to Sierra Leone in June.
