Omeruo, Iheanacho top as Eagles practice penalties News

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Omeruo, Iheanacho top as Eagles practice penalties

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 1, 2024

Super Eagles players worked on their breathing techniques and run-ups for taking penalties should their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Angola go to shootouts on Friday, The PUNCH reports.

The training session took place at the Police College, Cocody.

Jose Peseiro’s team will be facing an Angolan side at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan equally matched for records in the history of the tournament.

Both teams have one win each and two draws in their last four meetings at the tournament.

Nigerian duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Kenneth Omeruo were the most successful during the practice session as they scored all their spot kicks.

Omeruo has made three appearances (one start and two substitutes) for the Eagles at the ongoing 2023 AFCON, while Iheanacho is yet to make an appearance for the three-time African champions.

The Eagles, who will conclude their preparations for the game against Angola on Thursday (today), last lost on penalties in the semi-finals of the AFCON at the 2004 edition to hosts Tunisia.

Tunisia defeated Nigeria 5-3 on penalties after extra time ended 1-1 with all five of the Tunisian designated takers converting their kicks, while Osaze Odemwingie missed his.

Trio John Utaka, Joseph Yobo and Ifeanyi Udeze all converted their kicks.

Meanwhile, the Angolan squad arrived in Abidjan on Wednesday, the venue of their last eight tie against Nigeria.

The Black Antelopes departed Bouake on Wednesday morning for Abidjan, where they were based since the group stage and round of 16 match win over Namibia.

Angola are still unbeaten at the AFCON, having drawn 1-1 with Algeria before defeating Mauritania 3-2 and Burkina Faso 2-0 respectively in Group D and Namibia 3-0 in the round of 16.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 1, 2024