Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations, sealing their spot in the tournament’s last 16 in Monday’s clash.
The lone goal materialized in the 36th minute when Opa Sangante inadvertently directed a Moses Simon cross into his own net, reacting under pressure with Victor Osimhen looming behind him.
With this win, the Super Eagles secured second place in Group A, amassing seven points, trailing Equatorial Guinea. The latter’s impressive 4-0 triumph over Ivory Coast granted them the top spot with a superior goal difference.
Nigeria, having drawn 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their tournament opener, displayed efficiency, if not flamboyance, in subsequent matches. They edged past Ivory Coast 1-0 with a William Troost-Ekong penalty before the recent victory.
Jose Peseiro’s squad will extend their stay in Abidjan for a last-16 encounter on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium against the Group C runners-up, potentially Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon.
While Nigeria dominated the match, their lead remained at a solitary goal, and they missed opportunities to widen the margin in the second half. African Player of the Year Osimhen and substitute Zaidu Sanusi both had goals disallowed for offside, Calvin Bassey’s penalty appeal was denied, and Ola Aina squandered a promising chance by blasting the ball over.
Guinea-Bissau’s Franculino Dju had a disallowed goal at the other end, concluding a disappointing tournament for the team, which had previously shocked Nigeria in qualifying last March. Despite their historic away win, they have yet to secure a victory in 12 attempts across four appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: AFP
