Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau on Monday night in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The only goal of the game came in the 36th minute when Guinea-Bissau defender Opa Sangante turned a cross from Moses Simon into his net, giving Nigeria a crucial three points in Group A.

The Super Eagles, who are three-time African champions, had drawn their opening match against Equatorial Guinea 1-1, before beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 thanks to a penalty from William Troost-Ekong.

Nigeria finished second in the group with seven points, behind Equatorial Guinea who stunned Ivory Coast 4-0 in the other match to top the group with nine points. Ivory Coast, who had already qualified as hosts, came third with six points, while Guinea-Bissau was eliminated with zero points.

Nigeria will now face the runner-up of Group C, which could be either Senegal, Cameroon, or Guinea, in the round of 16 on Sunday.

The Super Eagles, coached by Portuguese Jose Peseiro, started the match with Stanley Nwabali in goal, while Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Ola Aina formed the back four. Frank Onyeka and Bright Osayi-Samuel were deployed in the defensive midfield, while Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, and Samuel Chukwueze supported Victor Osimhen in the attack.

The match was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Nigeria had more possession and territorial advantage, but Guinea-Bissau defended resolutely and tried to hit on the counter-attack.

The breakthrough came when Simon delivered a low cross from the left flank, and Sangante, under pressure from Osimhen, diverted the ball past his goalkeeper.

Nigeria almost doubled their lead in the second half when Osimhen headed against the post from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Guinea-Bissau, who were making their second appearance at the AFCON, did not give up and fought hard to find an equalizer. They had a couple of half-chances, but Nwabali was alert to keep them at bay.

The final whistle sparked jubilation among the Nigerian players and fans, who celebrated their progression to the next round.

Nigeria has reached the knockout stage of the AFCON for the 12th time in their history and will be hoping to add to their titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

Guinea-Bissau, on the other hand, bowed out of the tournament with their heads held high, having given a good account of themselves against some of the continent’s heavyweights.

The AFCON, which is the 34th edition of the biennial tournament, features 24 teams competing for the trophy. The final will be held on February 11 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

Source: Business Day