The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-0 in a friendly game on Monday against Guinea in preparation for the 2023 African Cup of Nations scheduled to start on the 13th of February in Cote d’Ivoire.
The friendly match was played at the Bani Yas Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The official X page of the Super Eagles, which gave timely updates on the match, noted that Guinea scored the first goal in the 14th minute of the game.
Furthermore, a penalty was awarded to Nigeria in the 19th minute. “19’ Penalty awarded to Nigeria as Umar is hacked down.”
“20’ Penalty Missed! Guinean goalie denies Simon a goal from the penalty spot,” the live update noted.
Eagles struggled to equalise as the first half ended 1-0, in favour of Guinea.
“64’ Nigeria concedes a second goal,” the update added.
The game ended 2-0 as Nigeria lost to Guinea in their first pre-AFCON friendly against Guinea.
Mtronews NG reports that Nigeria is vying for a fourth AFCON title, having won in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
The Eagles will face Equatorial Guinea in their first Group A match on January 14, before facing host nation Ivory Coast four days later. On January 22, they will play Guinea Bissau in their final group A encounter.
Guinea is also in a difficult group at this year’s AFCON, alongside Cameroon, Gambia, and defending champions Senegal.