Super Eagles beat Al Gharbia FC 12-0 in AFCON 2023 warm-up match

The Super Eagles walloped Al Gharbia FC, a local team based in Dubai 12-0 in a warm-up game in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday.
Ademola Lookman scored four goals, while Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon grabbed a brace each.
Also, Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa weighed in with a goal each, while there were also two own goals to complete the dozen-goal rout.
Calvin Bassey as well as substitutes Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel all gave a good account of themselves as an aggressive Super Eagles team laid siege to their opponent’s defence line in a one-sided encounter.
The team, Al Gharbia, play in the third division and paraded a Nigerian midfielder.
A post on the team’s official X account noted that it was indeed a comfortable win for the Eagles, adding that Coach Jose Peseiro must be pleased his team are firing on all cylinders. .
It noted, however, that the bigger test for the Eagles will come on Monday when they face another AFCON-bound team Guinea in a final warm-up game before they jet out to Lagos.
“Osimhen’s overall play showed that he is in fine shape to justify his coronation as the best player in Africa at the AFCON. Fulham defender Bassey was calm and collected in the heart of the back after he started the test match alongside Portugal-based Chidozie Awaziem.
“Both Iwobi and Osayi Samuel did not start the game, but they impressed when they were introduced to the fray. Late replacement for injured Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf also saw action as he played the last 15 minutes of today’s match, which was played behind closed doors at the Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
“NPFL lone representative Olorunleke Ojo will later replace Francis Uzoho, who started in goal. Enyimba shot stopper Ojo kept out a penalty to ensure a clean sheet for the team.
“Coach Jose Peseiro made many changes in the game as he tried to have a closer look at all options available before the team’s opening AFCON game next Sunday against Equatorial Guinea,” it said.
It added that Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface and South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did not see action as they were probably rested ahead of the Guinea clash.
The 34th edition of the AFCON is expected to kick off on January 13 and end on February 11.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Ethiopian PM announces implementation of major projects
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said 2019 under the Ethiopian calendar (2026–2027 under the Gregorian calendar) will mark the start of implementing major government projects.
![Vessels along Strait of Hormuz (Photo credit: Benoit Tessier/File Photo/Reuters]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/cxk79fQB.jpg)
Economy
Hormuz ship traffic falls to three vessels
Commodity vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to three ships on Wednesday, down from 12 the previous day and below the 10-day average of about 17.

Anti-Corruption
Extradition of 235 internet fraudsters from Nigeria, other countries secured: FBI
Kash Patel said the FBI’s crackdown on international fraudsters led to the extradition of 235 fraudsters from Nigeria and other countries.

Education
Police investigating alleged suicide of final-year student: OAU
The university urged students experiencing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressures or other personal challenges to seek help promptly.

Economy
Tariff War: Trump threatens EU with further sanctions over Canada
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose “serious tariffs” on the European Union’s 27 member states.

NationWide
Military operations alone cannot end Nigeria’s insecurity: Former Vatican Security Chief
According to Mr Giani, contemporary security threats, including terrorism, organised crime, and cyber threats, require cooperation among countries and institutions.





