Nigeria secured their spot in the round of 16 knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A match on Monday at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
A fortuitous own goal by Opa Sangante in the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides, as the Super Eagles struggled to convert their dominance into further goals. Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon were constant threats down the flanks, but found Guinean goalkeeper Jonas Mendes in inspired form.
The Super Eagles, who had drawn 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea and beaten the hosts 1-0 in their previous group matches, needed only a point to advance from Group A. However, they got all three thanks to an own goal by Guinea-Bissau defender Opa Sangante in the 36th minute.
Sangante turned the ball into his own net after a cross from Nigeria winger Moses Simon, who was lively throughout the game. The Super Eagles had several chances to increase their lead, but were denied by Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Asvedo Mendes and the video assistant referee (VAR).
Victor Osimhen thought he had scored his second goal of the tournament in the 62nd minute, but his header was ruled out for offside after a lengthy review. Samuel Chukwueze also came close to finding the net, but his curling shot hit the post in the 79th minute.
Guinea-Bissau, who had lost 4-1 to Equatorial Guinea and 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire in their first two games, tried to salvage some pride in the second half, but could not break down the Nigerian defence. The Wild Dogs finished bottom of the group with zero points and one goal scored.
Nigeria, who have won the AFCON title three times, finished second in the group with seven points, behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. The Nzalang Nacional also beat Côte d'Ivoire 1-0 on Monday to top the group with seven points and five goals scored.
The Super Eagles will now face the runners-up of Group B, which includes Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana and Mozambique, in the round of 16 on Saturday. Equatorial Guinea will take on the winners of Group B on the same day.
Guinea-Bissau put up a spirited fight in the second half, searching for an equalizer that would have kept their slim qualification hopes alive. They came close on several occasions, but Super Eagles captain Kenneth Omeruo and the Nigerian defense held firm to secure the crucial victory.
The win sees Nigeria finish second in Group A with seven points, behind Equatorial Guinea who topped the group with a resounding 4-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast. Guinea-Bissau's valiant effort was not enough, as they bow out of the competition in third place with three points.
Nigeria's qualification for the round of 16 will be a welcome relief for fans after a turbulent group stage campaign. While the team's performance has left room for improvement, reaching the knockout stage provides a platform to build on and potentially challenge for the ultimate prize.
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