THE Nigerian senior men’s football team – Super Eagles – on Monday, January 8 ended their pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) friendlies on a disappointing note after losing 2-0 to Guinea in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ahead of the 2023 AFCON billed to kick-off on Saturday, January 13, in Cote d’Ivoire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prepared two friendly matches for the Super Eagles.

The matches were to test the team’s technical strength before starting the continental tournament.

During their first match against a local team based in the UAE – AI Gharbia FC, on Sunday, January 6, it was a stroll in the park as they pummelled their opponents 12-0.

The goals came through Ademola Lookman who scored four goals, while Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon bagged a brace each.

Also, captain Ahmed Musa and Sadiq Umar scored a goal each and two own goals from the home side completed the dozen-goal harvests.

Despite the emphatic victory on Sunday, it was a reversal of fortune the next day as the Super Eagles’ winning tactics failed against Guinea.

The changes against Guinea was the return of William Troost-Ekong who captained the side while South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali manned the post.

But Guinea took the lead through Aguibou Camara who scored in the 14th minute of the game.

The Super Eagles were resilient in restoring parity. Their resilience paved the way when Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar was brought down in the box.

Nantes’ Simon Moses stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort was saved by the Guinean goalkeeper.

In the 64th minute, Guinea doubled the lead via Facinet Conté’s strike, igniting worries for the Super Eagles’ confidence ahead of the AFCON.

The Super Eagles have ended their friendly matches. They are expected to return to Lagos on Tuesday and travel to Cote D’Ivoire on Wednesday.

They will play their opener against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14.