The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Monday, bounced back from defeat to Guinea-Bissau, with a 1-0 win, in the reverse fixture of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The Djurtus shocked everyone on Friday when they recorded a 1-0 victory over the Super Eagles in Abuja.
However, a first-half penalty from Moses Simon was enough for Jose Peseiro’s men to win the reverse fixture.
Peseiro’s men started the game brightly and nearly took the lead in the third minute through Kenneth Omeruo but his goal bound header was pushed away for a corner-kick by goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.
The hosts responded with a chance of their own two minutes later.
Momo Balde, who scored the winning goal in the first match laid down the ball for Jorginho but the winger shot wide from the edge of the box.
The Super Eagles took control of the game and came close to breaking the deadlock twice through Terem Moffi and Victor Osimhen.
The visitors were rewarded for their attacking display when they were awarded a penalty after right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel was brought down inside the box.
Nantes of France winger, Simon coolly slotted the ball home to hand the Super Eagles a precious lead.
The Djurtus abandoned their defensive approach and became more adventurous after conceding.
Baciro Cande’s side came close to levelling scores four minutes before the break but Balde failed to direct his shot on target.
The pattern of play continued after the break with the Super Eagles dominating play and the Djurtus making occasional forays upfront.
Osimhen hit the woodwork on 59 minutes as the Super Eagles piled pressure on the Guinea-Bissau defence.
The Napoli forward was denied by Mendes in the 68th minute.
Substitute Joe Aribo had a superb shot saved by Mendes two minutes later.
Super Eagles will travel away to Sierra Leone for their game in the qualifiers on Sunday, June 11, 2023.
With the result, Nigeria return back to the top of Group A with nine points with two more points than second placed Guinea-Bissau.
The slim victory also ended a four-match losing streak for the Nigerians who have won the AFCON three times.
The third place is occupied by Sierra Leone with five points, while Sao Tome & Principe sit at the bottom of the group with just one point.
