Tag: Guinea Bissau

NFF fumes after Super Eagles’s loss to Guinea Bissau

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, on Saturday in Abuja read the riot act to national team players in view of dwindling performances in recent times.

Gusau told Super Eagles players that visible total commitment would now be a key factor, apart from competence and current form, for selection for the national team at any level.

The senior men’s national team had on Friday in Abuja lost 0-1 to Guinea Bissau in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The defeat at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium pushed the Eagles down to second place in their qualification group.

“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time.

“If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.

“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward,” the NFF President said.

He expressed his disappointment at the team’s performance and demanded an immediate reaction.

”I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed.

“Things must change, starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level,” Gusau said.

He recalled that the under-23 male team, the Olympic Eagles, also failed to score against Guinea in a 2023 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations qualifier at the same venue on Wednesday.

“This message is for all the teams, down to the under-15 male side known as Future Eagles.

“Total commitment which we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys.

“If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” the NFF President stated.

Responding on behalf of his group, team captain Ahmed Musa, apologised to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat.

He assured that the players were ready to redeem themselves in the return match on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 7 a.m. on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.

The match comes up at the Estadio 24 de Setembro from 5 p.m. Guinea Bissau time (6 p.m. Nigeria time) on Monday.

March 26, 2023
AFCON Qualifiers: Guinea Bissau shock Super Eagles 1-0 in Abuja

The Djurtus of Guinea Bissau today shocked Super Eagles of Nigeria in an AFCON 2025 Qualifiers by defeating them 1-0 at the Moshood Abiola International National Stadium in Abuja.

Mama Balde who plays for French Ligue 1 side Troyes scored for the visitors in the 29th minute to revive the qualification hopes of the Guineans.

All effort by the Super Eagles to get a goal back proved abortive in the match.

Nigeria has 6 points from three games after recording two wins and one loss while Guinea Bissau climbed to the top of the log after amassing two wins and a draw.

The reverse fixture comes up in three days in Guinea Bissau.

Two teams will qualify from each group to feature at the AFCON in Cote’ Ivoire next year January.

Below is the Super Eagles starting XI against Guinea-Bissau:

Uzoho, Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Akpoguma, Zaidu, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen.

March 24, 2023
AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen, 22 players now in camp for Nigeria vs Guinea Bissau
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has arrived at the team’s camp in Abuja ahead of Friday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Djurtus (Wild Dogs) of Guinea Bissau.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, in Abuja.

Eagles Media Officer, Babafemi Raji in a chat disclosed that Osimhen, who had a flight delay in Lagos, joined the team in Abuja after Tuesday’s evening training.

Raji said that the arrival of Osimhen brought the number of players in camp to 22, while Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi was the only player still being expected and should be joining the team on Wednesday.

The Eagles have six points from their previous two matches, as they confront Guinea Bissau in a top-of-the-table fixture that will largely determine the swing of the pool.

They are favoured to qualify for the competition scheduled to hold in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

Meanwhile, tickets for the encounter have been calibrated in price ranges of N2,000 and N10,000 for ordinary and VIP seats respectively.

Ademola Olajire, Communication Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the tickets are available at the football secretariat at the Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Olajire said tickets are also available at the Old Parade Ground, NFF’s former office at Wuse Zone 7 and other designated places which details will be announced on broadcast stations nationwide.

Egyptian referee Mahmoud Elbana will be in the centre, with his compatriots Youssef Elbosaty, Sami Halhal and Ahmed El-Ghandour to function as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the match commissioner and his compatriot Kotey Alexander will be the referee assessor.

The 22 Super Eagles players currently in camp are:
1. Kevin Akpoguma
2. Joe Aribo
3. Ademola Lookman
4. Alex Iwobi
5. Semi Ajayi
6. Chijioke Aniagboso
7. Francis Uzoho
8. Wilfred Ndidi
9. Daniel Bameyi
10. Kenneth Omeruo
11. Frank Onyeka
12. Moses Simon
13. Paul Onuachu
14. Bright Osayi-Samuel
15. Ahmed Musa
16. Terem Moffi
17. Victor Sochima
18. Calvin Bassey
19. Bruno Onyemaechi
20. Samuel Chukwueze
21. Kelechi Iheanacho
22. Victor Osimhen
March 22, 2023
AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles coach, Peseiro releases 23-man squad for Guinea Bissau clash

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has released a 23-man list for his side 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double-header against Guinea-Bissau billed to hold in Abuja and Morocco.

Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Etebo and many others were included on the list.

Rivers United goalkeeper, Victor Sochima earn his maiden invitation to the team, while Boavista defender, Bruno Onyemaechi is invited for the second time.

Two Flying Eagles players, Chijoke Aniagboso and Daniel Bamaiyi were also included in the squad.

Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong missed out as a result of injury, while Torino defender, Ola Aina was among the surprise absentees.

Peseiro also dropped former first-choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye from the squad.

The Super Eagles will host the Djurtus in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Friday, March 24.

The reverse fixture will take place in Morocco four days later.

Guinea Bissau will play its home games in Morocco owing to the non endorsement of any of its stadiums for international game.

March 16, 2023
AFCON Qualifier: Guinea Bissau to play Super Eagles in Morocco

Following the resumption of AFCON qualifying games that was suspended as a result of the shift in date of the tourney Guinea Bissau will play its home games in Morocco for the remainder of the qualifying series.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be Guinea Bissau’s next opponent and the game has been fixed for Casablanca in Morocco.

The match will hold on Thursday, March 23, with the reverse fixture slated for the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja four days later.

Guinea-Bissau’s home stadia, Estadio 24 de Setembro and Estadio Lino Correia were not approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host games in the qualifiers.

The two grounds failed to meet CAF’s requirements to host international matches.

According to reports emanating from the West African country, the Guinea Bissau Football Federation have been granted permission by their Moroccan counterpart to host their home games in the country.

The Djurtus are second in Group B with four points from two games.

Baciro Cande’s side lost 2-0 to the Super Eagles the last time both teams met in a group game at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Two teams will emerge from the group for the tournament billed to hold in Ivory Coast January 2024.

February 8, 2023
2021 AFCON: What Buhari, Eguavoen said after Super Eagles’ group stage performance

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday defeated Guinea Bissau to win all their three Group D matches and advanced to the knockout phase of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports goals from Sadiq Umar (56th minute) and William Ekong (77th minute) gave the Super Eagles a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau in their final Group D fixture.

The win and advancement to the knockout phase have drawn accolades from President Muhammadu Buhari, who commended the Super Eagles for keeping hope alive by winning all their group matches.

The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday in Abuja saluted the Eagles for advancing to the second round of the tournament in grand style.

The president urged the Austin Eguavoen-led team to maintain and even surpass the terrific form that made them leaders in the group stage, as ”Nigeria hopefully looks forward to a total of seven emphatic wins in this competition.”

According to him, the positive reputation of good sportsmanship the traveling fans, sportswriters and the football team have demonstrated in Cameroon will continue to enliven the importance of sports.

He said this was particularly football, as an enabler of development, peace, tolerance, friendship and cooperation.

The president wished the Super Eagles the very best.

He pledged that his administration would continue to support the efforts of international, regional and national football organisations to use the sport as a tool to build a better and peaceful world.

Meanwhile, Coach Augustine Eguavoen says people are once again beginning to respect the Super Eagles following their performance at the group stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Eguavoen told newsmen during his post-match conference that a lot of people felt that Nigeria was not good enough to win the tournament because of the team’s performance in the last few months.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday in Garoua advanced in style to the knockout phase of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

They beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the Stade Roumde Adjia to become the only side at this 33rd edition of the competition to win all their three group games.

Winners of groups A, B and C who had advanced earlier failed to win all their three games.

“But again it is the same set of players who performed brilliantly well prior to the AFCON, the last one in Egypt and also a year or couple later.

“All of a sudden, things didn’t go well as they were supposed to for some reason and that’s why people were trying to write Nigeria off.

“For the first game, nobody gave us a chance but we did the job collectively,” said the coach.

He said he told the players to express themselves and be committed, “you don’t have any other country to play for, it’s only Nigeria and you know how passionate our people are when it comes to football.

“And then, that game was gone. We had to put it behind us and then focus on the next game. Went ahead to beat Sudan and then put it behind us and then focus on the next game.

“Now, people are thinking and starting to respect Nigeria.”

He, however, said the team would not allow the praises get to their head, adding that they would continue to respect their opponents in the tournament.

“We will always respect our opponents, we will play them with full strength and we will play them the way we play with anybody.

“For instance, if you see today’s game and like I said before, Guinea-Bissau is a very strong team. They were no pushovers at all,” said Eguavoen.

He added that he expected a tough game because the Guinea-Bissau team was physically and technically very strong.

“So, they gave us a run for the money, but at the end of the day we were able to get those two goals and I am very satisfied with the performance.

“The most credit must go to the players for doing everything we told them to do,” he said.

January 20, 2022
AFCON: We’ll rather die than let Super Eagles win – Guinea Bissau captain

Captain of the Guinea Bissau national team, Jonas Azevedo Mendes has said that they will rather ‘die’ than see themselves losing today’s match against the Super Eagles.

Mendes, who is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper said they will battle the Super Eagles with all their might and they were determined to ensure they do not go home after the tie.

Asked if there was any particular player in the Eagles team they were targeting, Mendes said, “we know Nigeria is a good team. It will be a mistake to target any particular player. We are facing all of them with equal attention,” he said.

Nigeria currently tops Group D with six points after beating Egypt and Sudan in the ongoing AFCON, while Guinea-Bissau is in the third position with a point.

January 19, 2022
AFCON 2021: Super Eagles are one of the best in Africa – Guinea-Bissau coach

Guinea Bissau Coach Basiro Candé has described the Super Eagles as one of the best in Africa ahead of their clash with the Nigerian team at the ongoing 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles will on Wednesday file out against the wild dogs of Guinea-Bissau in one of the last group D matches of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Table topping Eagles have six points from two games having beaten Egypt and Sudan, while struggling Guinea-Bissau have just one point from their draw with Sudan and 0-1 loss to Egypt.

Candé at press conference on Tuesday however said his team will hope to exploit the weaknesses in the compact Nigerian side.

“Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa, a very strong side, We will play our game and hope that Nigeria makes a mistake, some errors and may be luck will smile on us.

“We know that no matter how strong a team is, there is always a weak side and we hope to capitalise on that as we play Nigeria,” he said.

The coach said his physical side will hope to go all out from the blast of the whistle, with qualification still on their mind.

The West African derby is billed to take place at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, Garoua, Cameroon on Wednesday by 8 p.m.

January 18, 2022
AFCON: Super Eagles’ll not take foot off pedal against Guinea-Bissau – Eguavoen

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has assured of his players’ total commitment as they file out against Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Eguavoen gave the assurance on Tuesday in Garoua, Cameroon at a press conference ahead of the team’s last Group D match.

The Nigerian national team currently sit top group D with six points from two games, having beaten Egypt and Sudan.

Struggling Guinea-Bissau have just one point from their draw with Sudan and 0-1 loss to Egypt.

Eguavoen said that despite qualification, the aim of the team was to finish with nine points like the Eagles did in the 2006 AFCON in Egypt, when he was incidentally in charge.

“There is always pressure, finishing with nine points will be very good; we did that in 2006 and with this group that we have, we are ready to do that again.

“It is not expected that the game will be smooth for 90 minutes, our major concern is conversion, we have worked on that and we hope to see improvements,” Eguavoen said.

The coach said with qualification in the bag, the technical crew would bring some changes to give more fringe players game time.

” It is always good to qualify, we have done that with style; expect few changes tomorrow (Wednesday), everyone have come to play. We will make one or two changes,” he said.

On the controversy whether to employ a local or foreign coach for the Super Eagles going forward, he said the focus should not be on the skin colour of the coach but the team’s style of play.

“This question has come many many times but I’m very happy with the position I occupy with the Nigeria Football Federation and yes, if they give me the job, why not.

“If they asked me for it, yes and when we get to that river we will cross,” he said.

Earlier, Super Eagles vice captain, William Trost-Ekong, said the team would still approach the game with the same zeal it prosecuted the first two matches.

“We are approaching the game as the first two, we have enjoyed Garoua, the team will work hard, this is an opportunity to test ourselves and play a good game,” he said.

NAN reports that the Nigeria/Guinea-Bissau match is billed to take place at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, Garoua, Cameroon on Wednesday by 8 p.m.

January 18, 2022
2021 AFCON: Nigeria drawn in Group D with Egypt, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn in Group D alongside multiple champions Egypt for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tagged “Cameroon 2021”.

At the draw for the final tournament, held in Yaoundé on Tuesday, the 24 qualified teams were divided into four groups, with Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in Group D.

The opening match will pit tournament hosts and five-time winners Cameroon against Burkina Faso, the 2013 runners-up, in a Group A clash.

The draw has in Group A with Cameroon and Burkina Faso the duo of Ethiopia and Cape Verde, while Group B has Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinea and Malawi.

Group C has Morocco, Ghana, Comoros and Gabon, with Group E having defending champions Algeria, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.

Group F has Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania and Gambia.

The 52 countries had taken part in the tournament’s qualifiers, with only 24 places available for the Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 event.

The qualification campaign had started in October 2019 and ended in June, due to the one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19.

Following Tuesday’s draw, the tournament organisers have indicated that the competition’s group stage will hold from Jan. 9 to Jan. 20.

Matches of the Round of 16 will hold from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26, while the quarter-finals will be on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30.

The competition’s semi-finals will hold on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, while the third-place and final matches will take place on Feb. 6.

Five main cities have also been selected as hosts of the tournament, including Douala and its Japoma Stadium, and Yaoundé and its Ahmadou Ahidjo and Olembé Stadiums.

The others are Bafoussam and its Kouekong Stadium, Garoua and its Roumdjié-Adja Stadium and the Limbe-Buea venue which has the Limbe Omnisport Stadium.

August 18, 2021