Simba captain Mohamed Hussein exudes confidence as they prepare to take on one of Africa’s most formidable teams in the quarter-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The Tanzanian club will face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the last eight of Africa’s flagship club competition.
The eagerly anticipated first leg will take place on Friday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
With preparations underway under the guidance of coach Abdelhak Benchikha, Hussein is optimistic about their chances against the African powerhouse.
Acknowledging their opponent’s stature, Hussein is confident coach Benchikha has the strategy to outwit Al Ahly’s strong side.
“It is true that Al-Ahly is a great team and has a lot of experience in these stages. But Simba has a great coach who knows his opponents well,” states Hussein.
“Abdelhak Benchikha’s methods and commitment will be the key to success.”
Simba is aware of the challenge ahead but remains focused on reaching the semi-finals in the showdown between these two titans of African football.
New Zealand and Algeria earn historic Paris Olympic spots
Tayla FORD (NZL)Tayla FORD (NZL) is the first to qualify for New Zealand for the Olympics in Women’s Wrestling. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (March 23) — For a second consecutive day at the African & Oceania OG Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt suffered a heartbreak, Vinay Siwach reports to UWW.
On Friday, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) failed to earn a Paris Olympic spot in Greco-Roman. And today, two-time world medalist Samar HAMZA (EGY) suffered a stunning loss in Women’s Wrestling to miss out on the Paris spot.
Apart from Hamza, the tournament threw a few other surprises as six nations shared the 12 Paris spots, with Nigeria winning the most with four. Algeria, Guam, and Tunisia won two, while Egypt and New Zealand got one each. Algeria and New Zealand qualified for the Olympics for the first time in Women’s Wrestling.
Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN), an African champion at 72kg and Tokyo Olympian, once again earned her qualification at 76kg. Beating Hamza made it even more special.
Six wrestlers were divided into two groups of three each. Samar HAMZA (EGY) topped her group, while Amy YOUIN (CIV) finished second. In the other group, African champion Hannah RUEBEN (NGR) topped the group, and Sghaier was second as she lost to Rueben in the first match.
Hamza and Sghaier faced each other in the semifinal, and Sghaier was slow to start before hitting a headlock four-pointer, and Hamza could only score two points. In the second period, Sghaier inside-tripped Hamza for two more points. Hamza responded with a four, but Sghaier recovered from the throw and held Hamza on the mat for a pin. While it was not confirmed, Hamza was cautioned for fleeing, adding two more points to Sghaier’s score.
Hamza got a takedown, and on another attempt, Sghaier hit a hip toss and helped Hamza to the mat to secure the fall and earn the Paris spot.
In the other semifinal, Rueben completely blocked Youin to score a 6-0 victory. This was Nigeri’s fifth Paris Olympic quota, as Odunayo ADEKOUROYE (NGR) won one at the World Championships.
Nigeria’s Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) showed her class at 68kg again, winning the semifinal against Uilau TARKONG (PLW) via fall in just 24 seconds.
Tayla FORD (NZL) ensured that New Zealand will have a representative at the Olympics in Women’s Wrestling for the first time. She won the spot after pinning Samah ABDELLATIF (EGY) in the other semifinal at 68kg.
Nigeria is yet to qualify in the 50kg weight class, as African champion Miesinnei GENESIS (NGR) suffered a 7-5 loss to Nada MOHAMED (EGY) in the semifinal.
The Rio Olympian led 2-2 at the break and scored a stepout at the start of the second period to lead 3-2. But Nada got a step out to earn a 3-3 lead. However, that lead was short-lived, as Genesis answered with a takedown and led 5-3 with 50 seconds left on the clock.
Nada scored a step out with nine seconds remaining, and in a dramatic turn of events, she snapped Genesis, who pointed out that the referee had not blown a whistle to restart. But Nada was awarded the two points, which Genesis challenged but lost.
In another close semifinal, Ibtissem DOUDOU (ALG) got the better of Chahrazed AYACHI (TUN), 9-6, becoming the first Algeria wrestler to qualify the nation in Women’s Wrestling. She led 4-0 using two takedowns before Ayachi scored a reversal and exposure to cut the lead to 4-3.
Doudou had to pay the price for being defensive as Ayachi scored a step out in the second period and later a go-behind to lead 6-4. Soon after, Ayachi became defensive, and Doudou hit a single leg and elevated Ayachi, who fell as Doudou tried making it a double leg. She was awarded four points, giving her an 8-6 lead with 28 seconds left.
Ayachi tried her options but gave up a step out as Doudou celebrated earning a spot in the Olympics, but Ayachi could not control herself as soon as the match ended.
Tunisia’s second quota was 62kg as Siwar BOUSETA (TUN) dominated Mastoura SOUDANI (ALG) in the semifinal. Her 12-1 win ensured that Tunisia continued its African dominance at the weight even after Marwa AMRI’s (TUN) retirement. Amri now coaches the Tunisian team.
The other wrestler to qualify at this weight was African champion Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR), who defeated Angelina RODRIGUES MIRANDA (CPV) 10-0 in just 24 seconds.
Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) after qualifying Guam for the Paris Olympics at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
Aquino sisters win
The Aquino sisters from Guam, Mia, and Rckaela, earned Paris Olympic spots after winning the semifinals at 53kg and 57kg. Mia has wrestled at the Tokyo Olympians, but Rckaela will compete in her first Olympics.
Both posted contrasting victories in their respective semifinals. Mia pinned Lobna ICHAOUI (TUN) after scoring 11 points, and Rckaela managed a close 4-3 win over Faten HAMAMMI (TUN), who scored all her points in the first period.
Rckaela trailed 3-2 at the break and showed some frantic wrestling in the second period, which did not threaten Hamammi. However, her constant movement tired Hamammi, who gave up a takedown with 20 seconds left. Rckaela needed to defend her 4-3 lead for 10 seconds, which she did, and she won the Paris spot.
African champion Christianah OGUNSANYA (NGR), who rolled to a 10-0 win over Shaimaa MOHAMED (EGY), is qualifying with Mia at 53 kg. At 57kg, Chaimaa AOUISSI (ALG) earned the second spot after beating Natacha NABAINA (CMR) 11-8.
RESULTS
50kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Ibtissem DOUDOU (ALG) df. Chahrazed AYACHI (TUN), 9-6
SF 2: Nada MOHAMED (EGY) df. Miesinnei GENESIS (NGR), 7-5
53kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Mia AQUINO (GUM) df. Lobna ICHAOUI (TUN), via fall (11-0)
SF 2: Christianah OGUNSANYA (NGR) df. Shaimaa MOHAMED (EGY), 10-0
57kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Chaimaa AOUISSI (ALG) df. Natacha NABAINA (CMR), 11-8
SF 2: Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) df. Faten HAMMAMI (TUN), 4-3
62kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Siwar BOUSETA (TUN) df. Mastoura SOUDANI (ALG), 12-1
SF 2: Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR) df. Angelina RODRIGUES MIRANDA (CPV), 10-0
68kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF1: Tayla FORD (NZL) df. Samah ABDELLATIF (EGY), via fall
SF 2: Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) df. Uilau TARKONG (PLW), via fall
76kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN) df. Samar HAMZA (EGY), via fall (14-8)
SF 2: Hannah RUEBEN (NGR) df. Amy YOUIN (CIV), 6-0
Kévin Nicaise & Casimir Ninga (Chad coach and captain)
Chad managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mauritius on Friday, 22 March, in the opening leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers. This was the nation’s first win in five years, as it aims to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in history.
The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Mauritius on Tuesday, 26 March.
CAFOnline caught up with Chad coach Kevin Nicaise, and captain Casimir Ninga posted the victory.
Coach, congratulations on the victory. Your team dominated the second period but lacked efficiency in finishing. Does this concern you?
Kévin Nicaise: We faltered a little in the finishing. However, what I remember is that we created a lot of chances. We were solid defensively. In the first half, the match was more balanced. During the second half, we took the upper hand. At the start of the game, the boys were a little stressed about what was at stake. It’s a relatively young group; they don’t all have experience compared to Mauritius. But overall, we are satisfied.
How do you plan on rectifying the lack of finishing?
KN: We are far from perfect, far from being a top team globally. We are in the construction phase. There are still things to work on and improve. It is not overnight that we will be a top team in the world, we are aware of that, however we are working hard with the group and the staff to achieve this goal. The first twenty minutes were not significant. During the second half, we dared to play and placed ourselves higher. Our group has players with a lot of quality, but the occasion stressed them initially, and then they adjusted later. We could have scored a goal a little earlier, which would have relieved everyone, but I am satisfied with my team’s performance.
Captain, what did the coach say to the team during halftime?
Casimir Ninga: During half-time, the coach told us about our missed chances. I knew we had to work harder in front of the goal and that, at some point, it would kick in.
What analysis do you make of this first meeting against Mauritius?
CN: The group has just been formed, and we are still gelling. Our opponents now know our game, and we know theirs. We will now get back to work to fill our gaps.
What will be the key to winning the return match?
CN: We will go to Mauritius to qualify. Our objective is clear. Chad has never been to the AFCON. Many generations have struggled with the accomplishment of this project. Everything comes in its time; we have good hope of getting there.
Coach, what are your team’s good points after this meeting?
KN: The biggest thing is winning. It’s been five years since we last won a match; it’s a relief for everyone. I think it will give me confidence for the future. Then, defensively, we must remain strong. We didn’t concede too many chances. We must take advantage of this victory and quickly refocus because a match awaits us on Tuesday.
Join Liberia, Eswatini in TotalEnergies driving seat
Following Liberia and Eswatini’s emphatic first-leg wins in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers on Wednesday, 20 March, Chad joined the two nations in the driving seat following their slender 1-0 win over Mauritius on Friday.
Liberia edged Djibouti 2-0 at home, while Eswatini were happy travelers when they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Liberia to mark the start of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The slim victory sees coach Kevin Nicaise’s charges take an important lead in the two-legged affair. The return leg in Mauritius will be even tougher against the islanders on Tuesday, 26 March.
Meanwhile, nothing could separate Sao Tome, Principe, and South Sudan when the two sides played out to a goalless draw in Berkane on the same evening.
The 0-0 draw will be highly welcomed by South Sudan, hoping to secure a victory at the expense of their opponents, who failed to take their chances in the first leg.
Eight (8) of the lowest-ranked nations, as per the FIFA Rankings, are competing in a home-and-away knockout format for the preliminary stage of the qualifiers. The four (4) remaining countries will be eligible to join the 44 nations that will be engaged in the group stages of the qualifiers.
Theory & Waller steal a qualifying win with WrestleMania implications: SmackDown, March 22, 2024
Austin Theory & Grayson Waller overcame Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a tournament to decide the two teams to compete in the Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown
IYO SKY attacks Bayley and steals win from Naomi: SmackDown highlights, March 22, 2024
After emerging to help Bayley against Damage CTRL, Naomi is forced to go it alone against WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio helps Santos Escobar defeat Rey Mysterio: SmackDown highlights, March 22, 2024
“Dirty” Dom provides surprise interference while wearing his father’s mask and helps Santos Escobar emerge victorious over the legendary luchador. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown
LA Knight incites a brawl at AJ Styles’ home and gets arrested: SmackDown highlights, March 22, 2024
Following AJ Styles’ chair attack on LA Knight last week, LA Knight shows up at his WrestleMania opponent’s house and pays the price. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown
Damage CTRL uses the numbers game to beatdown Naomi and Bianca Belair: SmackDown highlights, March 22, 2024
After stealing a win, IYO SKY and Damage CTRL deliver a post-match beatdown on Naomi and the emerging EST of WWE. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown
Clinches Gold in 2023 African Games men’s football final
Ghana secured victory in the 2023 African Games Men’s Football tournament by defeating Uganda with a solitary goal at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
Jerry Afriyie emerged as the hero for the Black Satellites, scoring the decisive goal in the final match witnessed by a capacity crowd.
Under the guidance of Coach Desmond Offei, the Ghanaian team, exhibited a determined performance right from the start, clearly aiming for the gold medal.
Despite an intense and captivating first half from both sides, the score remained goalless, with Ghana coming close to breaking the deadlock several times.
Returning from halftime with renewed vigor, Ghana intensified their attacking efforts and nearly found the net on the hour mark, only to be denied by inches.
However, Jerry Afriyie, the Thoughts FC striker, finally delivered the breakthrough in the 90th minute with a spectacular strike, securing victory for the Black Satellites.
Following the final whistle, Ghana was awarded the coveted Gold Medal, while Uganda claimed the Silver Medal for their commendable performance throughout the tournament.
Having triumphed over Congo earlier in the day, Senegal received the Bronze Medals for their achievements.
The victory marks a significant triumph for Ghana in African football as they completed a clean sweep by winning gold in both men’s and women’s football.
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (March 22) — Algeria emerged as the most successful nation on the first day of the African & Oceania OG Qualifiers, with five Greco-Roman quotas in Alexandria. Egypt was second with four spots, Tunisia won two, and Morocco managed to grab one, Vinay Siwach reports for UWW.
Egypt has the chance to complete the line-up with six quotas as it has already won one at the World Championships and was hoping to win the remaining five in Alexandria. But Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY), the top seed and favorite to win one of the two 67kg spots, lost to Souleymen NASR (TUN) 7-4.
For Algeria, Tokyo Olympians Abdelkarim FERGAT (ALG) and Bachir SID AZARA (ALG) led a strong performance, qualifying for the 60kg and 87kg weight classes. Fadi ROUABAH (ALG) grabbed the quota at 97 kilograms, Abd OUAKALI (ALG) made it at 77kg, and Ishak GHAIOU (ALG) won at 67 kilograms.
Fergat controlled his semifinal against Ismail ETTALIBI (MAR) and scored two turns from par terre, while Ettalibi failed to score any. Fergat won 5-1. In the second semifinal, Moamen MOHAMED (EGY) survived a scare against Latuf MADI (COM), winning 6-5.
Made did well in not giving up any points from par terre in the first period, but Mohamed managed to push out in the second period to make it 2-0. As Mohamed tried to hit another big move on Madi, he fell on his own back, giving Madi two points. A lost challenge from Egypt made it 3-2. It became 5-2 when Madi once again blocked an attempted throw from Mohamed.
With time ticking, Mohamed got Madi in a bear hug and launched a big move, earning him four points and a 6-5 lead. He kept Madi in danger till 10 seconds left, which he saw off.
Sid Azara dominated his bouts, winning all three, including the semifinals, via superiority. He defeated Roberto NSANGUA (ANG) 8-0 in a minute and 52 seconds to earn a Paris ticket.
Fellow Tokyo Olympian Mohamed METWALLY (EGY) also dominated his earlier bouts but was in trouble in the semifinal against Hakim TRABELSI (TUN). Metwally perhaps took it easy against Trabelsi, who threw him for four and used a headlock in the first second of the semifinal.
He mentally gathered himself after that eye-opener. Trabelsi was penalized for a headbutt but kept a 4-3 lead. The referees then cautioned Metwally for a headbutt, extending Trabelsi’s lead to 6-3. But Metwally came out all guns blazing in the second period and, at one point, caught Trabelsi in a lock. Unfortunately, he fell back and gave up two points before scoring a reversal. As Metwally tried scoring from that position, Trabelsi committed a leg four, getting him a second caution and a two-point penalty. Trabelsi was finally cautioned out of the way when he blocked Metwally, who hit a four and tried to pin Trabelsi.
At 67kg, after beating Elsayed, Nasr earned a Paris quota with a solid 11-0 win over Sahid KARGBO (SLE) in the semifinals. In the quarterfinal, Nasr was the first to get the par terre advantage, and he rolled Elsayed twice to lead 5-0 before Elsayed scored a step out to cut it to 5-1. In the second period, Elsayed scored a turn from par terre to make it 5-4, and as he was trying to lift Nasr for a throw, Nasr’s head touched outside the zone, and the referee blew the whistle. Elsayed gave up another point for a challenge.
With 1:33 left on the clock, Nasr scored a step out when Elsayed tried an arm throw. Nasr’s lead swelled to 7-4, and Elsayed found no opening in the remaining time. Elsayed was in disbelief as he left the mat.
Ghaiout denied Australia a Greco-Roman qualification after he defeated Ando LEHTMETS (AUS) 5-1 in the semifinal.
At 97kg, Rouabh denied Tokyo Olympian Mohamed MISSAOUI (TUN) another trip to the Games after an 8-0 Win in a minute and 57 seconds. The other Tokyo Olympian in this weight class, Mohamed GABR (EGY), won a spot with a 10-0 win over Wissam KOUAINSO (MAR).
The same set of countries earned the Paris spots at 77kg as well, with Abd OUAKALI (ALG) beating Yassine CHEKLY (MAR) 11-0 and Mahmoud ABDELRAHMAN (EGY) blanking Dean VAN ZYL (RSA) 9-0 just before the first period ended.
Four wrestlers were entered in the tournament in the 130 kg weight class. Oussama ASSAD (MAR) confirmed his Paris Olympic qualification in the morning, while Amine GUENNICHI (TUN) got a walkover from Marcus CARNEY (NZL) and earned the ticket to Paris.
The African & Oceania OG Qualifiers will continue on Saturday, with Women’s Wrestling and Freestyle on Sunday. Watch live on uww.org or UWW+.
RESULTS
60kg
Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Abdelkarim FERGAT (ALG) df. Ismail ETTALIBI (MAR), 5-1
SF 2: Moamen MOHAMED (EGY) df. Latuf MADI (COM), 6-5
67kg
Paris Qualification Bouts:
SF 1: Souleymen NASR (TUN) df. Sahid KARGBO (SLE), 11-0
SF 2: Ishak GHAIOU (ALG) df. Ando LEHTMETS (AUS), 5-1
77kg
Paris Qualification Bouts:
SF 1: Mahmoud ABDELRAHMAN (EGY) df. Dean VAN ZYL (RSA), 9-0
SF 2: Abd Elkrim OUAKALI (ALG) df. Yassine CHEKLY (MAR), 11-0
87kg
Paris Qualification Bouts:
SF 1: Mohamed METWALLY (EGY) df. Hakim TRABELSI (TUN), via cautions (13-9)
SF 2: Bachir SID AZARA (ALG) df. Roberto Mbaio NSANGUA (ANG), 8-0
97kg
Paris Qualification Bouts:
SF 1: Mohamed GABR (EGY) df. Wissam KOUAINSO (MAR), 10-0
SF 2: Fadi ROUABAH (ALG) df. Mohamed Skander MISSAOUI (TUN), 8-0
Beach Soccer is a beacon of hope in Mozambique – Saidate Abudo Moveia
Image credit: CAFonline
While the traditional eleven-aside full-pitch football format remains the leading and conspicuous sport of choice for most Mozambique, Saidate Abudo Moveia, head coach of the nation’s Beach Soccer national team, believes that Beach Soccer has given a uniquely exciting option and beacon of hope for youngsters in the country.
Moveia spoke to CAFOnline from the sidelines of the ongoing COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship in Durban, South Africa, where Mozambique is competing with eight other nations.
Moveia, who aims to lift the title, shared the importance of the sport’s beach format and how it creates hope for youngsters who may not have been fortunate enough to get into a football academy or club.
“Football is big in Mozambique, and so is the sport of Beach Soccer, which has grown in Mozambique over the years,” says the coach.
Mozambique has become one of the best Beach Soccer nations in southern Africa.
Their last appearance at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship saw them finish third. In contrast, their most impressive showing on the continental stage saw them finish second to current champions Senegal at the CAF Beach Soccer CAF Africa Cup of Nations in the 2021 edition.
“Today, we have more Beach Soccer teams around the country, some of which are part of our Football Association and play in structured competitions. This is encouraging and results in more kids having the option of playing Beach Soccer as a sport in addition to the standard eleven-aside football”, said Moveia.
For Moveia, the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship allows him to assess his team’s standard ahead of this year’s CAF Beach Soccer AFCON tournament, which will take place in Egypt later this year.
Senegal currently holds the African title. They were crowned champions in Mozambique in 2022, a feat that saw them and silver-medalists Egypt earn the right to represent the continent at the recently concluded FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“The COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship is a competition that we appreciate and gives us great confidence. It’s fantastic, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank COSAFA”, concluded the coach.
The COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship concludes on Saturday, 23 March in Durban.
Face the Royal U15 boys on a two-match tour of Kenitra
By Rasheed Adewuyi
Nigeria’s U15 boys, nicknamed Future Eagles, are in Morocco for a two-match tour of that country with the Morocco U15 team in the city of Kenitra.
Kenitra is two-and-a-half hours by road from Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and economic capital.
Coach Patrick Bassey and assistants Hussein Lawal and Augustine Iyamu are in Morocco with 21 future stars eager to take their first steps in international football. The delegation is led by former Nigerian winger and captain Dr. Felix Owolabi, MON.
The first encounter between the two countries will be held in Kenitra on Friday night starting at 10 pm Morocco time (11 pm Nigeria time), hours after the Super Eagles and the Black Stars would have ended their potentially explosive encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
The Future Eagles’ tour has been arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation in accordance with the Ibrahim Gusau-led administration’s vision of developing football from the grassroots and actively providing avenues for young talents to fulfill their potential and realize their dreams.
Edge Black Stars 2-1 in a brutal duel in Marrakech ahead of World Cup qualifiers match with Bafana Bafana
Nigerian Super Eagles
By Rasheed Adewuyi
In his first bow as helmsman of the Super Eagles, goals by Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman put smiles on Finidi George’s face as Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 in a friendly match full of steel and streaks of flavor in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Friday.
At the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali proved key to the Super Eagles’ performance. He showed plenty of poise, confidence, and comfort on the ball and pulled off a string of saves to ensure Nigeria’s first win over Ghana at senior level in 18 years.
The result was an exact reverse of the scoreline when George, as a player, first featured for Nigeria against Ghana in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash in Senegal 32 years ago.
Returning forward Cyriel Dessers sent Lawrence Ati-Zigi the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after Jerome Opoku handled a shot by Kelechi Iheanacho. The Leicester City of England man had struck the woodwork as Nigeria pressed.
Opoku would pick up a red card in the 57th minute for dissent, leaving the Black Stars with ten men.
The Black Stars came close to restoring parity two minutes after Nigeria went in front, with Antoine Semenyo all by himself at the other end, but Nwabali proved the rock.
Both teams showed good composure and firm control on the lush turf of the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Nigeria stretched its lead with six minutes left when substitute Ademola Lookman calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ati-Zigi and an onrushing defender after a good team move that involved fellow substitute Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.
In four minutes of added time, Bright Osayi-Samuel brought down forward Semenyo well into the Nigeria box, and captain Jordan Ayew made no mistake from the spot.
The Super Eagles will play a second friendly against the Les Aigles of Mali on Tuesday night at the same venue.
Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) after qualifying Guam for the Paris Olympics at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
