AFCON 2021: Nigeria subdue Guinea Bissau, advance to knockout stage
Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday in Garoua advanced in style to the knockout phase of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
They beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the Stade Roumde Adjia to become the only side at this 33rd edition of the competition to win their three group games.
The winners of groups A, B and C who had advanced earlier failed to win all three games.
The Group D winners made eight changes to the side that beat Sudan on Saturday, with six on the bench and two unavailable.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Zaidu Sanusi, and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Taiwo Awoniyi dropped to the bench.
On their part, Olaoluwa Aina and Joseph Aribo did not dress for the game.
This did show in the Super Eagles game, with the team almost strolling through the first half. It took them time to get going, with their opponents not providing something better too.
But it was not too long after the restart that they got going, with Umar Sadiq opening the scoring following a cross from Kelechi Iheanacho in the 56th minute.
After that, the Super Eagles took full charge, with Simon coming in for Chidera Ejuke and Peter Olayinka for Sadiq.
William Ekong sealed the win after he tapped in a rebound following a good job by Simon from the left flank.
Olisa Ndah, Frank Onyeka and Henry Onyekuru later came on for Tyrone Ebuehi, Kelechi Nwakali and Iheanacho, respectively, to steady their game and hold on to their lead.
The win took Nigeria to nine points from three matches, sealing their top spot in the group and condemning Guinea Bissau to bottom place.
The Super Eagles now await the best of the third-placed teams in groups B, E and F as their opponents in the next stage on Sunday in Garoua.
Meanwhile, seven-time champions Egypt beat Sudan 1-0 in the group’s other game to finish second behind Nigeria and qualify for the last 16 round.
Mohamed Abdelmonem scored the game’s only goal after heading home Abdallah El Said’s corner-kick in the 35th minute.
Sudan offered little opposition, though, with Egypt going close to a second goal through a Mohamed Salah effort which goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa saved in the second half.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Ibadan
Oyo Terrorists: ASNAT hails Oriire schoolchildren’s military rescue operation
The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military for rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo state.
States
Navy reaffirms commitment to national development through civil-military relations
Nigerian Navy chief Idi Abbas has reaffirmed commitment to national development through strengthened civil-military relations and sustainable community development initiatives.
Agriculture
Gov Okpebholo signs Edo agriculture college bill
The new law changes the institution’s name from Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
NationWide
De-registration of ADC, Accord Party, APP, AA, ZLP: Appeal Court reserves judgement
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgment in appeals challenging the Federal High Court’s decision ordering INEC to deregister five opposition political parties.
Diaspora
Nigerian diaspora community says Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment yielding results
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s UN ambassador.
States
School Abduction: Oyo assembly backs Gov Makinde’s call for international investigation
The lawmaker cautioned the public and the Nigerian Senate against misinterpreting the purpose of the state governor’s call for an international investigation.
