Afrigather For the reason that 2023 Africa Cup of Nations resulted in February, this worldwide break is the primary time most African groups are reuniting.
For Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles, it is a chance to restrategize following their second-place end on the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. Additionally, they’re doing this beneath a brand new coach, Finidi George. Additionally it is an opportunity for them to plan forward of the essential 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which come up later in June.
The Tremendous Eagles already defeated Ghana 2-1 of their first pleasant sport on Friday, they usually have one other sport in opposition to Mali lined up.
In the meantime, due to the vital nature of the World Cup qualifiers, which come up in June, Soccernet.ng additionally examines the efficiency of Nigeria’s different group opponents.
The Tremendous Eagles are in Group D with South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.
To start with, South Africa performed a pleasant sport in opposition to Andorra on Thursday, which ended 1-1. It was virtually a unique facet from the one which performed the Nations Cup third-place match. Hugo Broos began regulars like Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Themba Zwane from the bench. Additionally, Percy Tau, Ronyen Williams, and Khuliso Mudau weren’t within the workforce.
South Africa play their second pleasant sport in opposition to Algeria on Tuesday.
Additionally, Rwanda and Botswana performed out a goalless draw on Friday. Rwanda didn’t play on the AFCON, and it was their first sport of the yr. Their second sport is in opposition to Madagascar on Monday.
In the meantime, Lesotho, who pressured the Tremendous Eagles to a draw within the second sport of the qualifiers, have additionally been in motion. They performed a pleasant sport in opposition to Ethiopia on Thursday, successful 2-1. Either side met once more for the second leg on Sunday, however they misplaced 2-1 this time. Most of their gamers play of their native league, which suggests they’d have a superb understanding of one another, so Nigeria must watch out.
Nigeria’s fourth group-stage opponent, Zimbabwe, have additionally been in motion. They performed a 2-2 draw with Zambia on Saturday. Macauley Bonne and Walter Musona scored for them, whereas Stoppila Sunzu and Clatous Chama scored for Zambia. The sport in opposition to Zambia can be their solely fixture earlier than they play Lesotho in June.
Lastly, Benin, who former Tremendous Eagles supervisor Gernot Rohr coaches, had been pressured to a 2-2 draw by African champions Cote d’Ivoire. The Ivorians had most of their stars, however Benin proved very cussed. The Tremendous Eagles have to be cautious of Benin midfielder Junior Olaitan, as he scored their two objectives. It was Benin’s first sport of the yr, but it surely was a superb outcome. Subsequent up for them is a fixture in opposition to Senegal on Tuesday.
