AFCON 2024: Nigeria Beat Guinea Bissau To Progress To Knockout Stages

 

Nigeria have secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 AFCON Cup after defeating Guinea-Bissau 1-0 in the last game of the group stages. 

The Guinean side sadly lost the game to a defensive error from Opa Sangante, who rammed the ball into the net following Moses Simon's cross while in contest with Victor Osimhen for the arrival of the ball in front of the goal. 

Zaidu Sanusi nearly restored the Guineans back into the game in the latter stages, as he delightfully finished a chance on a fast break but the goal was ruled out for offside position. Likewise, Osimhen's effort to double the lead for Nigeria was also canceled for an offside position.

Guinea-Bissau are technically out the competition having failed to qualify for the knockout stages while Nigeria will progress to the Round of 16 on seven points behind Group A leaders, Equitorial Guinea. 

Quick Overview

Nigeria had an impressive game and the Guinean were initially up to a stunner which they could not pull off on a counter while the Super Eagles kept the pressure on their half. There were a lot of chances for the Eagles to consolidate on their lead in the second half but they were not just sharp enough at the front. 

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles deployed a different approach to the game after the interval, playing more through the centre midfield unlike through the wings in the first half and were yet unable to connect to properly Osimhen at the front. 

Mid-way down the game, there was a sense of comfort amongst the Super Eagles as the Guineans remained forced into their half until near the stoppages when they became fired up in the quest for an equaliser.