BY Idris Shehu
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have advanced to the second round of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria booked a place in the next phase of the competition after defeating Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan, on Monday.
An own goal from Opa Sanganté was the sole difference as the Eagles finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, who defeated Ivory Coast in the group’s other game.
The game was Nigeria’s 100th AFCON match, but the performance of the Super Eagles was lacklustre and unsuitable for the historic occasion.
Since the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the first game, Jose Peseiro-led team had exhibited profligacy, incoherence and lack of imagination.
The Eagles had failed to score more than one goal in their previous six games. It is an uninspiring return for a team with Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African footballer of the year, leading its attack.
The hiccups continued into the game against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria managed just one shot on targets out of 11 attempts.
The Eagles struggled to find the goalpost until Opa Sanganté helped them in the 36th minute. The Bissau-Guinean redirected a cross from Moses Simon into his net.
The Super Eagles failed to add to the tally as a couple of calls from the video assistant referee cancelled a goal each for both sides.
Equatorial Guinea thrashed Ivory Coast 4-0 in the group’s other game. The result confirmed Equatorial Guinea as the winner of Group A with seven points and a superior goal difference.
Nigeria will face the runners-up in Group C in the second round of AFCON. Group C has Senegal, Guinea, Cameroon and Gambia.
PLAYER RATINGS
Stanley Nwabali, GK (4/5): He was calm and oozed confidence even when put under pressure by the opponents. He made routine saves and continued to solidify his position between the sticks.
Calvin Bassey, DF (3.5/5): He had a confident display again. He plugged away without much fuss.
Kenneth Omeruo, DC (4/5): He was the captain of the day and dutifully organised his defence. His long ball from deep started the move for Nigeria’s winner. Experience.
Semi Ajayi, DC (3.5/5): He was a workhorse in defence without gloss. He put in an unassuming but assured performance.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, WB (3/5): He made marauding runs into attack without the final product—an average day in the office.
Ola Aina, WB (4/5): He was efficient as usual despite Guinea-Bissau’s threats. His determination salvaged Omeruo’s long ball that led to Nigeria’s only goal. He enjoyed more time in attack in the second period.
Onyeka Frank, MC (3/5): He did not receive much support in the middle of the park as the opponent ran him ragged. He is a natural but putting in the work rate.
Joe Aribo, MC (2.5/5): He looked rusty despite the occasional slick passing and was hooked midway into the second period to give others game time.
Simon Moses, WF (3/5): An unorthodox formation did not allow Simon much efficiency, but he put a cross on the plate that led to the goal. He improved in the second half but wasted a one-on-one situation to double the lead.
Samuel Chukwueze, WF (3/5): Decision-making is his bane despite his bag of skills and tricks. He was not helped by Jose Peseiro’s set-up but put Simon on goal in the second period.
Victor Osimhen, CF (3/5): He gave a gritty performance as usual, but his wastefulness in front of the goal should be a cause for concern regardless of having a goal ruled out. He needs to improve his finishing as fast as possible.
SUBSTITUTES
Raphael Onyedika MF (3/5): He put in a solid shift in the middle of the park. Promising cameo.
Alex Iwobi MF (3/5): He shot wide minutes after coming on and continued to plug away as Nigeria upped the tempo in the closing stages.
Zaidu Sanusi, DF (3/5): Another good cameo and had a goal ruled out by the officials.
Chigozie Awaziem, DF (N/A): No time to make an impact.
Ademola Lookman, CF (N/A): No time to make an impact.
Additional reporting by Jonathan Ledger
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