The three-time African champions were stunned by the Djurtus in Abuja four days ago, but they roared back in Bissau to exact their revenge
Moses Simon scored the all-important winner as the Super Eagles roared to a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau to return to the top of Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Guinea-Bissau produced one of the biggest shocks of the qualifying series when they defeated a star-studded Nigeria side in Abuja on Friday to overtake the Eagles at the top of the group standings.
And the Djurtus were confident of repeating a similar performance at the Estádio 24 de Setembro on matchday four.
But the Super Eagles, stung by that disappointing home loss, were yet again the better side in the opening minutes, creating the better chances to open the scoring.
The opening goal, however, arrived from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Nigeria's best player in the first leg, won the spot kick after showing bravery to drive forward, take on his marker, and draw the foul.
Nantes forward Moses Simon took the responsibility and converted smartly, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and the away bench into celebration.
Wasteful finishing prevented Nigeria from adding another goal before the halftime break.
The story did not change in the second half. Within the opening 15 minutes, Osimhen had two chances to double Nigeria's lead, but his first effort struck the goalpost while the second went inches wide of the net.
The Napoli striker continued to be a menace to the Bissau-Guineans backline and had another shot go wide when he had only the keeper to beat.
Aribo looked lively when he came on for Terem Moffi, and his interplay with Simon caused the home side numerous problems, but none of the chances created was converted.
Narrow as it was, the win was sufficient enough to get the Super Eagles back to the top of Group A with nine points from four games.
The three-time African champions have two points more than Guinea-Bissau and four more than Sierra Leone, who defeated Sao Tome and Principe 2-0 in the other group match.
Nigeria still have to play Sierra Leone away and Sao Tome and Principe at home, with the Eagles set to book their spot at the next edition of the AFCON if they avoid defeat in both games.
It’s time to review about Abuja pitch not just the coach and some woeful players we are keeping now. Tactically, GNB are better team due to the speed and consistency with through passes compared to the eagles though We still have some good players but technically our coach doesn’t gell them well to the right positions. Kelechi, Ndidi, Paul and Samuel should take a break for the sake of their careers and for Osimhen, it’s time you speak to the Coach for playmaker that’s supportive else you might turn to Usain Bolt whenever you wear green-white-green. Pray for Eagles else 2024 maybe another doomed year. Goodluck guys