AFCON 2023: Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea Sparks Discussion Amongst Fans

• The Africa Cup of Nations countdown is in full swing
• Nigeria faced off against Guinea in an international friendly
• The Super Eagles lost against the Syli National two-nil

The Super Eagles' final preparatory game for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) left many with a sour taste just days before the tournament’s commencement.

Jose Peseiro’s side, who are largely tipped by many to be one of the favourites, made clear their intent before the start of the tournament, as they thumped a local United Arab Emirates club with a resounding 12-0 victory. Ademola Lookman showcased his skills with four goals, while Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon scored twice each. Sadiq Umar and Captain Ahmed Musa also contributed with a goal each, along with two own goals.

However, the Super Eagles immediately reminded the fans of their ever-hovering defensive frailties as they collapsed to a surprise 2-0 defeat against the Syli National of Guinea, as reported by media outlet Brila.

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The game started bright for Peseiro’s men, but they saw themselves pegged back against the run-of-play by Atromitos of Greece midfielder Aguibou Camara.

Nigeria were presented with the opportunity to draw level after forward Umar was hacked down in the box in the 19th minute. However, Nantes midfielder Simon was only able to find the gloves of shot-stopper Ibrahim Kone from 12 yards out.

The game continued in the fashion it had begun, and Nigeria again came close to scoring when Umar slightly missed the target with a brilliant header in the 27th minute.

However, in the 64th minute, 18-year-old debutant Facinet Conte would metaphorically nail the ‘Eagles to the cross’ with a sublime finish, condemning the three-time African champions to a defeat.

The match, anticipated by many to be a springboard for success in the upcoming tournament, has left numerous fans furious, and their reactions have been unrestrained.

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Reactions from Fans following Super Eagles' Defeat

@itsleeswhag, expressing disbelief in the scoreline, commented:

“Let's do it again Don CHOP 2 ZERO on top a friendly match.”

@TheFPLManual, trolling the Super Eagles, posted:

“We are getting cooked by Guinea

E ka re o, Giants of Africa.”

@Tad0xe also wrote:

“So it has gotten to this 😔😔”

@ThaGuru_, seemingly resigned, posted:

“Pls prepare for the worse in CIV.

Una go too collect 😂😂😂”

@ExquisiteDemola echoed:

“Personally I Don zero my expectations on you guys... Just go to AFCON and mark attendance.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now shift focus to the AFCON tournament, where they host Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture.

Osimhen tipped for AFCON MVP

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Chelsea star and ex-Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has backed Victor Osimhen to clinch the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament award.

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The 24-year-old Napoli forward is expected to play a critical role for the Super Eagles as Peseiro’s team bids to win Africa’s biggest football competition for the first time since 2013.