By Daily Sports on January 8, 2022

The Super Eagles defeated Cameroonian side Cotton Sport 2-0 in a friendly game on Friday in Garoua, ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Cameroon.

A goal in either half from captain Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze handed Nigeria their first win under interim coach Austin Eguavoen, who took over the reins after Gernot Rohr’s contract was terminated in December 2021.

Eguavoen deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi leading the attack, flanked by Chidera Ejuke and Musa.

In midfield, the former Eagles defender started trio Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Kelechi Iheanacho, who played slightly behind Awoniyi.

He also paired Kenneth Omeruo with William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the Eagles defence, with Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi deployed as right and left-backs respectively, while Maduka Okoye kept his place in goal.

Musa was substituted for Alex Iwobi midway through the first half after he scored the opener.  In the second half, Eguavoen made nine changes to his side with only Sanusi and Iwobi keeping their places.

Francis Uzoho came on for Okoye, while Omeruo, Troost-Ekong and Aina made way for Olisa Ndah, Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem.

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka and Huesca’s Kelechi Nwakali replaced Ndidi and Aribo in midfield.

Samuel Chukwueze came on for Kelechi Iheanacho while forwards Sadiq Umar and Moses Simon replaced  Ejuke and Awoniyi.

Peter Olayinka and Henry Onyekuru were also handed cameo appearances in the test game.

Eguavoen said he was impressed with team but added that they missed chances.

He is hopeful of correcting the lapses before their first game against Egypt on Tuesday.

“The Eagles were impressive,” Eguavoen said after the game.

“We played two sets of teams in each half to see how the players would cope with the weather conditions but they struggled a little bit with the weather conditions. Fatigue also set in at some point.

“In terms of ball possession and movement, I was so pleased and winning the game was good for the team.

“We missed a lot of chances but it is a practice match and nobody wanted to go in full force, so we played safe throughout to avoid injuries.”

Nigeria are in Group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. (Punch)

•PHOTO: Super Eagles

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 8, 2022

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