Afcon 2023: Eagles seem back to normal setting as they are unconvincing against Guinea-Bissau despite qualification

Super Eagles' defeat of Afcon host Cote d’Ivoire was abnormal; the norm is for Our Boys to lose against high-profile teams and struggle against minions like Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Equatorial Guinea, and others.

After their heroic against Cote d’Ivoire the Eagles seem to be back to normal setting as they unconvincing and uninspiring in Monday’s victory over Guinea-Bissau.

 Team manager Jose Peseiro is not carried away by the victory as he admits his side must now start scoring goals if they want to achieve their objective of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles scored a paltry three goals, two from open play and one penalty in the group stage.

They wasted several clear-cut chances, especially in their opening two games of the competition.

Having booked their place in the Round of 16, Peseiro expects things to get more difficult in the competition.

“It’s a new competition that’s starting for us. The most important part of a competition, the knockout matches.

“We will have to be more clinical in front of goal because the slightest mistake will be fatal for us,” he said.

Former Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai said, “I expected a much better result than this but three points is three points. We knew the performance they put up against Cote d’Ivoire, so, we expected them to raise the bar in this game.”

“Nigeria has qualified for the next round of the Afcon but by luck. It’s been such a disappointing performance from the Super Eagles. The first match was a lucky goal, the second match was a penalty, and the third match was an own goal. The team needs to seriously step it up,” Olawale Awoleye said.

Another fan, Amos Oya, also said, “Not the best performance for me but we qualified for the round of 16 and I hope we improve on our finishings.”

“Not impressive performance they can do better and coordinate themselves better on the pitch, show the real Super Eagles,” Stephen Akinola said.

Another fan, Anyarogbu Justin, noted, “These boys are underperforming. They can do far better than this. I can’t defend this performance again.”

The Super Eagles will take on the second-place team in Group C in the Round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday night.

Unless they raise their game, Our Boys may soon be on the flight back to Lagos or their respective clubs.