AFCON 2023 Race: Eagles Pip Wild Dogs, Climb Back To The Top Of Qualification Group

Nigeria moved again to the highest of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying pool after Moses Simon’s thirtieth minute penalty condemned hosts Guinea Bissau to a one-goal defeat on Monday.

The Eagles, simply because it occurred within the first leg in Abuja, created alternative after good alternative however did not get behind goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.

Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze couldn’t convert probabilities within the first half, earlier than Moses Simon made good from six yards to place Nigeria in entrance for the primary time within the fixture.

The Djurtus seemed harmful as they did within the first leg in Abuja however did not unscramble the brand new Kenneth Omeruo/Semi Ajayi equation within the centre of Nigeria’s defence, whilst Vibrant Osayi-Samuel once more confirmed loads of proof that he has come to remain on the Tremendous Eagles’ proper again.

Osimhen was denied by the upright within the 59th minute when he flashed a shot previous Mendes, and 4 minutes later, the Napoli man merely blew it skywards after being put by way of by Samuel Chukwueze.

Within the 69th minute, Osimhen was once more foiled by the alertness and diligence of Mendes after Simon sliced one from the left flank. Two minutes later, substitute Joe Aribo was additionally cracking his knuckles after Mendes obtained a powerful hand to push over his fierce shot from simply exterior the field.

Victory meant the Eagles returned to the highest with 9 factors, with Guinea Bissau second on seven and Sierra Leone, who spanked Sao Tome and Principe on Wednesday, third on 5 factors.

The subsequent spherical of the qualifiers might be in June, when Nigeria journey away to Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau tackle bottom-placed Sao Tome and Principe.

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