In a stunning display of dominance, the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, trounced Al Gharbia FC, a local team based in Dubai, with an emphatic 12-0 victory in a training match held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight by scoring four goals, while Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon contributed a brace each. Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa also found the back of the net, and two own goals from Al Gharbia FC players completed the remarkable dozen-goal rout. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, along with other substitutes, showcased their skills as the aggressive Super Eagles launched relentless attacks on their opponent’s defense throughout the one-sided encounter.
Al Gharbia FC, a team playing in the third division, featured a Nigerian midfielder, and the match highlighted the Super Eagles’ attacking prowess ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON). A post on the team’s official account acknowledged the comfortable win, emphasizing that coach Jose Peseiro must be pleased with the team’s performance as they showcased strength in all areas.
Despite the resounding victory, the statement noted that the Super Eagles face a more significant test on Monday when they take on Guinea, another AFCON-bound team, in their final warm-up game before heading to Lagos.
Key players, including Victor Osimhen, demonstrated exceptional form, suggesting readiness for the AFCON tournament. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey displayed composure in the heart of the defense, while substitutes Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel made impressive contributions after being introduced during the game. Alhassan Yusuf, a late replacement for the injured Wilfred Ndidi, also saw action in the last 15 minutes of the match.
The statement highlighted that Olorunleke Ojo, the lone representative from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), would replace Francis Uzoho in goal. Ojo showcased his skills by saving a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet for the team. Coach Jose Peseiro made several changes during the game to assess all available options before the Super Eagles’ opening AFCON match against Equatorial Guinea on January 13.
The 34th edition of the AFCON is set to commence on January 13 and conclude on February 11, with the Super Eagles aiming to make a significant impact in the tournament.
