Olorunfemi Victor
Super Eagles of Nigeria’s perfect her records at the African Cup of Nations ( AFCON ) continued as they finished the group stage with maximum nine points for the second time in the country’s history after a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissauu on Wednesday to equal their 2006 record in the same tournament.
Augustine Eguavoen’s men came into the encounter with qualification in view for the knockout stage after their 3-1 victory over Sudan last Saturday.
Semi Ajayi’s header in the 15th minute failed to break the deadlock for the Eagles as they continue to dominate throughout the first half.
Another chance from Umar Sadiq in the 23rd minute couldn’t go far due to the striker’s lack of pace.
Towards the end of the first half, Guinea-Bissau jorginho’s right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right following a corner.
The first half ended stalemate with the super Eagles hoping to silent the underdog Guinea.
Sadiq put Nigeria in front in the 56th minute from a tap into an open net from Kelechi Iheanacho’s through pass from the right corner of the box.
Meanwhile, the second Super Eagles’ goal came in the 75th minute with Moses Simon’s masterclass dribbling past three Guinea-Bissau defenders in the 18-yard box and hits the bar with a left footed shot from the left side the box, but a proactive William Troost-Ekong effort secured the ball in from a close range. The goal was awarded following VAR Review.
Guinea-Bissau’s hope for a consolation goal was dashed when Alfa Semedo’s 87th minute right footed shot from outside the box was saved in the centre of the goal by Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria became the only team to qualify round she last 16 rounds winning all group matches at the 33rd AFCON following a convincing victory over Egypt and Sudan.
The Pharaohs of Egypt joined the Super Eagles as the two teams that made it to the next round of the tournament from Group D.
