Super Eagles lose 0-2 to Guinea in their last warm-up game ahead of Nations Cup

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles lost a warm-up friendly game to Guinea's Syli Stars today going down 0-2 to their West African neighbours at the Bani Yas Stadium Abu Dhabi in a match organised to prepare them for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations.

Africa's most prestigious tournament will be taking place between January 13 and February 11 and Nigeria is one of the main contenders for the trophy. In preparation for the tournament, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) organised today's game for the team, which is currently camping in the United Arab Emirates.

Although the Eagles featured a makeshift side without their star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho they still had no excuse for such a lacklustre performance. They went behind as early as the 14th minute and to make matters worse, Simon Moses got a chance to level the game in the 20th minute from the penalty spot but was denied by the Guinea goalkeeper.

From kick off, Super Eagles started the fixture well, dominating the play and bossing the possession but they conceded the early goal from Aguibou Camara, which pegged them back. After the penalty miss, Sadiq Umar and Samuel Chukwueze got chances to equalise for Nigeria before the end of the first half but they failed to convert their chances.

Nigeria started the second half well but the Eagles still lacked the cutting edge. Chances fell to Chukwueze and Chigozie Awaziem but they failed to convert and then, just like in the first half, Guinea struck through Facinet Conte to make it 2-0 after 64 minutes.

Coach Jose Peseiro introduced Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Iwobi into the game in place of Raphael Onyedika, Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute but the score remained the same. It eventually ended 2-0 to the Guineans and Mr Peseiro and his wards will look to return to winning ways in their first game against Equatorial Guinea at the Nations Cup.