In a final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) warm-up match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced a 0-2 defeat against Guinea’s Syli Nationale at the Bani Yas Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The game played behind closed doors, resulted in the Nigerian team’s unexpected loss.
The clash followed Nigeria’s impressive 12-0 victory over Al Gharbia FC, a local Dubai team, heightening expectations for a strong showing. However, the team’s performance dwindled against Guinea’s resilience.
Coach Jose Peseiro introduced goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and midfielder Alhassan Yusuf for their Super Eagles debuts. The absence of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, due to a striker crisis, seemed evident. Strikers Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho are battling injuries just a week before their first AFCON game in Abidjan.
Peseiro shifted from his recent 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 setup, with Chidozie Awaziem and Raphael Onyedika in midfield and Alhassan in an advanced role, while Sadiq Umar led the attack.
Guinea took the lead in the 14th minute through Aguibou Camara. Moses Simon missed a chance to equalize with a penalty saved by the Guinea goalkeeper, followed by missed opportunities from Sadiq Umar and Samuel Chukwueze.
Despite Nigeria’s second-half efforts, Guinea’s Facinet Conte doubled the lead in the 64th minute. Substitutions by Peseiro failed to alter the scoreline, resulting in Guinea clinching a hard-fought 2-0 victory.
The Super Eagles will travel to Lagos for a special dinner hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before departing for Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday to participate in the 34th AFCON finals, commencing on Saturday.
