Nigeria down Guinea-Bissau to book 2023 AFCON last-16 spot
Nigeria defeated Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to reach the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, January 22, 2024. SportsRation reports.
The Super eagles of Nigeria went into the last group game knowing at least a point will be enough to book a last-16 spot at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
It took just 15 seconds for the first shot of the game. Some chaotic defending from Guinea-Bissau saw reigning CAF Men’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen take advantage to fire a shot which was blocked by the opposition defenders.
Guinea-Bissau controlled possession until a 32nd minute cooling break took their charm away.
In the 36th minute, just as Nigeria were struggling for creativity in attack, there was a gift from their opponents center-back.
Aina flicked the ball down the line for Simon who attacked the Guinea-Bissau penalty area. He sent a ferocious low delivery in towards Osimhen and Sangante was given no option but to clear his lines.The defenders intended clearance went past his own goalkeeper and into the roof of the net to put Nigeria in front.
Osimhen sent a header just wide of the post minutes later as Nigeria went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Moses Simon had the first chance of the second hlaf but failed to score to double Nigeria’s lead before Victor Osimhen saw his effort chalked off.
A frantic passage of play finished with Osayi-Samuel’s low cross being turned into the back of the net by the Napoli striker but the linesman came to Guinea-Bissau’s rescue.
The replays showed there was no offside, but Osimhen handled the ball before finishing into the empty net.
Aina fired a ferociuos effort over the crossbar in the 68th minute as Nigeria pushed for a second goal.
At the expiration of regulation time, Opa Sangante’s own goal was enough to hand Nigeria a 1-0 victory at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
In the other group A game, Equatorial Guinea spanked tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire 3-0 to put the Elephants on the brink of AFCON group stage elimination.
Equatorial Guinea finish as group A winners with 7-points but with a superior goal difference to second placed Nigeria.
The games vs Guinea-Bissau was Nigeria’s 100th at the Africa Cup of Nations.
