By Akinwale Kasali
A 30th minute strike from the Penalty Spot by Moses Simon was all the Super Eagles needed to register a 1-0 win against the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau in the return leg of the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Guinea Bissau had shocked the Super Eagles three days ago at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium, Abuja, by the same score line, to go top of the Group.
But the victory by the West African giant has changed the table as the Nigeria team has retaken the top spot with nine points from four matches.
The Djurtus are second with seven points while Sierra Leone has five points and São Tomé and Principe with one point from the same number of matches respectively.
Coach Jose Peseiro made five changes from the team that started the first leg with Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka and Terem Moffi starting the match.
Frank Uzoho retained his position in goal , with Bright Osayi, Zaidu Sanusi retaining their positions in the defense line.
Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen leading the attack.
The Super Eagles took the game to their host from the blast of the whistle making several attempts to register a goal.
These did not result to any leap for the Super Eagles, until in the 28th minute when Osayi was fouled in the 18 Yard Box to give Nigeria a deserved penalty that was coolly converted by Simon.
Osimhen’s shot hit the bar, while Joe Aribo forced the Guinea Bissau goalkeeper to make some brilliant saves.
Nigeria has two matches to play against Sierra Leone in Agadir, Morocco and a home game against São Tomé and Principe.
