The Super Eagles secured their spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a slender win against Guinea-Bissau yesterday.
Despite the lack of an electrifying performance, the Super Eagles managed to crawl into the second round following a 1-0 victory over Djutus.
The defining moment of the match occurred in the first half when a cross found its way into the Guinea-Bissau box which defender Opa Sangante attempted to clear but ended up sending the ball into his own net, giving Nigeria the crucial lead.
While there were few clear-cut opportunities in the first half, Nigeria had a golden chance to double their advantage early in the second half.
Moses Simon was sent through on goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper, Jonas Mendes, denied the winger.
Mendes continued his stellar performance, rushing out to thwart Victor Osimhen moments later.
Despite sustained pressure from Nigeria, they struggled to extend their lead.
While there were few clear-cut opportunities in the first half, Nigeria had a golden chance to double their advantage early in the second half.
Moses Simon was sent through on goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper, Jonas Mendes, denied the winger.
Mendes continued his stellar performance, rushing out to thwart Victor Osimhen moments later.
Despite sustained pressure from Nigeria, they struggled to extend their lead.
Osimhen, in particular, had a series of near misses, including a disallowed goal and a header that narrowly went wide. Guinea-Bissau thought they had equalized late in the game through Franculino Dju, but the assistant referee’s flag ruled out the goal.
Both sides had goals ruled out in the second half for offside, while Osimhen also had an effort disallowed for handball.
Jose Peseiro’s side finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, who beat hosts Ivory Coast 4-0.
The Super Eagles will face the second-placed side from Group C, which could be any of Senegal, Guinea or Cameroon, in the last 16 on Saturday.
Eagles crawl into second round win narrow win over Guinea-Bissau
