The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the tournament’s knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau on Monday.
The result propelled Nigeria to second place in the group standings with seven points, narrowly trailing behind Equatorial Guinea, who claimed the top spot by decimating Ivory Coast 4-0.
The match unfolded with intense action, and the Super Eagles’ qualification journey was marked by both moments of brilliance and tense defensive maneuvers.
The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Nigeria took the lead through an own goal by Opa Sagante of Guinea Bissau.
The first half showcased the Super Eagles’ offensive prowess, with Victor Osimhen spearheading the front line. The Nigerian striker displayed an early attempt at goal in the 2nd minute, setting the tone for the team’s proactive approach.
However, the first 45 minutes also saw Nigeria grappling with offside decisions, as Osayi-Samuel and Osimhen found themselves caught in offside positions.
As halftime approached, Nigeria maintained their 1-0 lead, while Equatorial Guinea led 1-0 against Ivory Coast in the parallel group game.
Second half commenced with Guinea Bissau striving to level the score, but the Super Eagles’ defense, led by goalkeeper Nwabali, remained resolute.
The match’s latter stages were not without drama, with both teams seeking to make an impact. Nigeria’s Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi had opportunities to further extend the lead, but their attempts did not find the mark. Osimhen had a goal disallowed for handball in the 58th minute, adding to the intensity of the contest.
The physical nature of the game was evident as Frank Onyeka received a yellow card in the 47th minute for a robust challenge on Gomes, presenting Guinea Bissau with a free-kick opportunity. The Djurtus were unable to convert, and the Super Eagles maintained their defensive solidity.
Nigeria made substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing on Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi for Frank Onyeka and Joe Aribo, respectively. The alterations aimed to provide fresh impetus and secure the team’s lead.
As the clock ticked down, Guinea Bissau pushed for an equalizer, but Nwabali’s timely interventions in goal kept the Super Eagles ahead. The match concluded with a 1-0 victory for Nigeria, marking their passage to the AFCON knockout stage.
The aftermath of the game witnessed a surge of emotions from both sets of fans. While the Super Eagles celebrated their qualification, Guinea Bissau supporters expressed frustration, leading to some unrest in the stadium. The Super Eagles will now await their opponent in the knockout stage, eager to continue their pursuit of AFCON glory.
