A Nigerian national team side, very wasteful in front of the opponent’s goal and devoid of its symbolic attacking prowess, helped by a first-half Opa Sangante own goal, got Nigeria a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Monday to secure a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sangante 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, behind Equatorial Guinea whose 4-0 destruction of hosts Ivory Coast leaves them with a far better goal difference.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their very wasteful opening game, have failed to impress its teeming fans but was able to defeat the Ivorians 1-0 courtesy of a William Troost-Ekong penalty in the second game.
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.
Nigeria’s domination had been sterile before the goal came, but they should have added to their lead after the break.
African player of the year Osimhen and substitute Zaidu Sanusi both had goals disallowed for offside in the second half, while Calvin Bassey had a penalty appeal turned down and Ola Aina blasted a good chance over.
Franculino Dju had a goal ruled out at the other end for Guinea-Bissau, who were already eliminated before this game and finish with three defeats.
