A first-half Opa Sangante‘s own goal gave the Super Eagles a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in today’s match, marching them on to round 16.
By Olisa Obi
As the Super Eagles clinched their place in the last round 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sangante had emphatically turned a Moses Simon cross into his own net in the 36th minute, after feeling compelled to intervene with Victor Osimhen lurking behind him.
The result means the Super Eagles qualify in second place in Group A with seven points equal with leaders Equatorial Guinea but behind Equatorial Guinea whose 4-0 destruction of hosts Ivory Coast leaves them with a far better goal difference.
Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their opening game, have since been some what underwhelming even though the Super Eagles, qualifed out of the group some section of the Super Eagles fan base will surely not be comfortable with the manner in which the Super Eagles get the three points.
Jose Peseiro’s team will now stay in Abidjan for a last-16 tie on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium against the runners-up in Group C, which will be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon.
The last 16 tie will surely be a serious test for Peseiro’s men as they may face former champions and if they are to go on to win their Fourth Afcon title they will have to show their bravado starting from the round of 16 no matter who it is.
Related Posts
- AFCON: Nigeria Targets Knockout Stage Against Guinea-Bissau
- Nottingham Forest Questions Var’s Decision Over 3-2 Loss
SAVED BY THE ODD GOAL
Jose Peseiro’s men have shown that they have no regard as to how they get the job done as long as the job gets done and this has been shown consistently in their performance.
Their defeat of the host nation was done to their grit and perseverance. Although many will criticize the team going forward, it is also good to notice how solid they have proved to be at the back after conceding only one goal throughout the group stage.
Many may not see this as a feat. But considering the fact that this is one of the high scoring Afcon competitions ever seen in a while, the Super Eagles have the right to tap themselves on the back.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT
Although many expected there to be goals coming in from this star studded attack line, it has in many cases underwhelmed with star striker and CAF player of the year, Victor Osimhen, only have a goal in the whole tournament. His goal is also the only involvement of any of the strikers.
But to step in for the forwards, lack has been latest discovery. Nwabili who has proven his managers faith in him to be justified with another high level performance, was able to single handedly keep the eagles in the game after five very good and important saves.
He is already reminding Nigerians of the great Vincent Enyema and he has already cemented his place in this super Eagles squad.
