In the final match of Group A in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Guinea-Bissau, securing their spot in the round of 16. Led by coach Jose Peseiro, the Nigerian team entered the match with confidence after their previous win against Ivory Coast, thanks to a penalty scored by captain William Troost-Ekong.
Peseiro made some changes to the lineup, with Kenneth Omeruo taking over as captain and Joe Aribo replacing Alex Iwobi. Unfortunately, Alhassan Yusuf remained sidelined due to an injury. Guinea-Bissau, who had previously defeated Nigeria in the qualifying series, hoped for a repeat performance.
However, it was Victor Osimhen who made his intentions clear early on in the match, although his shot missed the target. Despite the Super Eagles’ early pressure, Guinea-Bissau maintained their composure and gradually grew into the game.
Nigeria only needed a draw to advance, but Guinea-Bissau was determined to deny them that opportunity and dominated possession in the early stages.
The Wild Dogs posed a threat to the Nigerian defense, with Dalcio Gomes coming close to connecting with an overhead ball that eluded Omeruo.
However, Nigeria received a stroke of luck in the 37th minute when Opa Sangante inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to prevent Osimhen from tapping the ball into the net.
Osimhen had an opportunity to increase Nigeria’s lead in the later stages of the first half, but he was unable to connect with Simon’s cross.
The second half began with Simon missing a great chance to make it two, as Mendes reached out to claim the ball. As the game progressed, Osimhen thought he had scored in the 62nd minute, but the VAR ruled him offside.
In search of a second goal, Peseiro made some changes, bringing in Alex Iwobi for Joe Aribo. The substitute immediately got involved in the action but shot wide from an inviting cross by Simon at the edge of the box.
Nigeria finished as runners-up in Group A with seven points, while Equatorial Guinea defeated hosts Cote D’Ivoire 4-0 to top the group on better goal difference. Guinea-Bissau, who were already eliminated, had a goal disallowed at the other end.
They have never won a game in 12 attempts across four appearances at the Cup of Nations. Nigeria will now face the runners-up from Group C, which will be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon, in the last-16 tie on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
