Nigeria 1-0 Guinea-Bissau: Own Goal Advances Super Eagles to AFCON Last 16

Nigeria has safely secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, who exit the competition at the group stage. The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when defender Opa Sangante inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to prevent an unmarked Victor Osimhen from reaching the ball. Despite their respective rankings suggesting a mismatch, the game proved to be more evenly-matched.

The Super Eagles, with Osimhen posing a constant threat, had the better chances in the match. Two goals were disallowed, both attributed to handballs by Napoli’s center-forward.

Guinea-Bissau, already aware of their elimination before the match began, delivered a commendable performance, presenting Nigeria with numerous challenges. They had a goal by Franculino Dju disallowed for a close offside. Despite the strong showing from Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria secured direct passage to the Round of 16, finishing as runners-up behind Equatorial Guinea. As a result, the Super Eagles will now face the second-placed team in Group C, which could be either Cameroon, Senegal, or Guinea.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

DISCUSSION POINT – NIGERIA’S NEED FOR MIDFIELD DOMINANCE

Despite securing a place in the next round, Nigeria’s performance fell short of quelling criticism. The Super Eagles encountered difficulties in controlling the game against Guinea-Bissau, a team ranked outside the top 100 globally, often leaving star striker Osimhen isolated upfront.

The primary avenue for Nigeria to unlock Guinea-Bissau’s defense came from threats on the wings, especially through Moses Simon, and utilizing long balls over the top against an opponent willing to maintain a high defensive line against the pacey front three. However, the crucial task for the Super Eagles lies in finding more effective ways to provide quality supply to their forward players. While always posing a threat on the counterattack, Nigeria currently struggles to assert control over games on their own terms.

For Guinea-Bissau, this match represented a missed opportunity to claim a significant victory, evident in the players’ post-match reactions indicating a belief that they deserved more.

MAN OF THE MATCH – VICTOR OSIMHEN

Although not at his clinical best, Nigeria’s center-forward, Victor Osimhen, remained the primary threat for the Super Eagles. Despite having a goal disallowed for an unintentional handball and another potential assist ruled out for a handball in the build-up, Osimhen’s presence prompted the mistake that led to the game-winning moment. As Nigeria progresses, Osimhen’s formidable presence instills fear in opponents. However, the challenge remains in providing him with higher-quality supply.

PLAYER ASSESSMENTS

Guinea Bissau: J. Mendes 7; H. Mendes 7, Edgar Ié 6, Sangante 6, Nanu 6; Bikel 8, Nito 7, Quizera 6, Dalcio 8; Gomes 6, Gano 6. Subs: Sanca 7, Franculino 8, Ze Turbo 7, Cande 6, Semedo 6.

Nigeria: Nwabali 7; Ajayi 6, Bassey 6, Omeruo 7; Ola Aina 8, Onyeka 7, Aribo 6, Osayi-Samuel 7; Simon 8, Chukwueze 7, Osimhen 8. Subs: Iwobi 5, Onyedika 7, Lookman 6, Sanusi 6, Awaziem 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

36’ – SCORE! GUINEA-BISSAU 0-1 NIGERIA (SANGANTE OWN GOAL)

A perilous cross into the box aims for Osimhen at the back post, compelling Sangante to intervene, inadvertently redirecting the ball past his own goalkeeper. Nigeria celebrates, and Osimhen, displaying sportsmanship, gives Sangante a consoling pat as he passes by. There is a slight suggestion that the ball might have gone out of play during the sequence, but VAR reviews are satisfied, and the goal is confirmed.

59’ – DISALLOWED GOAL! HANDBALL

Nigeria believes they’ve scored as Osimhen converts a low cross, deflected by the goalkeeper. However, VAR reviews the play and denies the goal, along with dismissing any penalty claims from an earlier incident. Both decisions prove accurate—there was no foul for the penalty, and Osimhen unintentionally handled the ball before scoring.

82’ – DISALLOWED GOAL! OFFSIDE

Franculino charges into the box, delivering a fantastic shot into the net. Yet, the flag is raised, and VAR concurs, nullifying the equalizer.

84’ – DISALLOWED GOAL! HANDBALL

Nigeria thinks they’ve scored again as Osimhen’s shot is saved but tucked home at the back post. However, an offside is detected in the buildup, and the goal is ruled out. VAR agrees, though there’s room for debate as the player did not touch the ball in that phase. The score remains 1-0.

KEY STATS

Nigeria managed to score only one goal from open play in their Group A campaign.

Victor Osimhen has been flagged offside more times than any other player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.