By John Adiasi
AFCON 2023: Nigeria sees off Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to advance to round of 16.
Nigeria secured their spot in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles entered their final group-stage match aware that a draw would be enough to advance to the last-16, but even a loss could have seen them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
The game got off to a slow start for Nigeria, but they managed to take a narrow lead into halftime.
Moses Simon delivered a cross into the box, and with Victor Osimhen positioned at the back post, Opa Sangante inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
The second half was more open, with Osimhen coming close to finding the back of the net on multiple occasions.
He had a goal disallowed for handball after scoring from close range, and then missed a header from six yards out when he was unmarked.
Guinea-Bissau had a goal disallowed as they pushed for a late equalizer, with Franculino being ruled offside.
Nigeria’s Zaidu Sanusi also thought he had scored seconds later, but his effort was also deemed offside.
Despite not finding a second goal, Nigeria held on to secure the victory and their place in the next round.
The Super Eagles finished second in Group A, behind Equatorial Guinea, and will now face Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon in the last-16.
In other news from the match, Zaidu’s goal was ruled out after Osimhen’s chance, and Franculino’s goal was denied due to an offside flag.
