The Super Eagles of Nigeria in a training match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday boosted their preparation for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations with a 12-0 win against a local team based in Dubai, Al Gharbia FC.
Talented Super Eagles players, Ademola Lookman scored four goals, while Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon grabbed a brace each, The News Agency of Nigeria reports.
Also, Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa weighed in with a goal each, while there were also two own goals to complete the dozen-goal rout.
Calvin Bassey and other substitutes Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel were also outstanding in the match as the Super Eagles team dominated the game which later turned out to be a one-sided encounter.
The team, Al Gharbia, plays in the third division and paraded a Nigerian midfielder.
A post on the team’s official X account noted that it was indeed a comfortable win for the Eagles, adding that coach Jose Peseiro must be pleased his team is firing from all angles.
It noted, however, that the bigger test for the Eagles will come on Monday when they face another AFCON-bound team Guinea in a final warm-up game before they jet out to Lagos.
“Osimhen’s overall play showed that he is in fine shape to justify his coronation as the best player in Africa at the AFCON.
“Fulham defender Bassey was calm and collected in the heart of the back after he started the test match alongside Portugal-based Chidozie Awaziem.
“Both Iwobi and Osayi Samuel did not start the game, but they impressed when they were introduced to the fray.
“Late replacement for injured Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf also saw action as he played the last 15 minutes of today’s match, which was played behind closed doors at the Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi,” the statement read.
It added that the NPFL lone representative Olorunleke Ojo will “later replace Francis Uzoho, who started in goal.
“Enyimba shot stopper Ojo kept out a penalty to ensure a clean sheet for the team.
“Coach Jose Peseiro made many changes in the game as he tried to have a closer look at all options available before the team’s opening AFCON game next Sunday against Equatorial Guinea.”
It added that Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface and South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did not see action as they were probably rested ahead of the Guinea clash.
The 34th edition of the AFCON is expected to kick off on January 13 and end on February 11.
NAN
