Nigeria have qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Monday evening
The Super Eagles came into the game on the brink of qualification, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea and a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast.
However, the three-time African champions found it tough against the team rooted to the bottom of Group A
The decisive goal came in the first half, with Opa Sangante lashing Simon Moses’ cross past his goalkeeper.
VAR ruled out goals from Victor Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi in the second half, as Nigeria held on for three points.
They finished in second place behind Equatorial Guinea, who crushed hosts Ivory Coast 4-0.
Both Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria ended up with seven points each, but the former had superior goal difference. Their group’s head-to-head fixture ended 1-1 last Sunday.
Nigeria will face the third placed team from Group C, which is currently occupied by Cameroon.
The Super Eagles piled all the pressure, including the one that forced defender Opa Sanganté to put the ball into his net in the 36th minute. Victor Osimhen had been all over the Guinean player.
The unexpected bashing of the Elephants in front of their fans may spell exit for the Ivorien as their three points from the same number of matches may not be enough to see them qualify as one of the best four group losers.
