Soccer

    Nigeria through to Round of 16 at Africa Cup of Nations

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer22 January 2024
    Moses Daddy Simon

    Moses Daddy Simon

    An own goal from Opa Sangante saw Nigeria earn a 1-0 over Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations clash on Monday night in Abidjan.

    The Super Eagles went ahead after 36 minutes when Sangante put through his own net but were unable to capitalise on a series of good chances to extend their lead, with Victor Osimhen going close multiple times.

    With Equatorial Guinea thumping Ivory Coast in the other game in the group, Nigeria finished second in Group A to set up a meeting with the runners-up in Group C on Saturday.

    The loss capped off a miserable campaign for already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau, who threatened Nigeria in the final stages but finished with three defeats.

    Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali made the first save of the game from Nito Gomes' ambitious long-range effort, but the Super Eagles grew into the game, Joe Aribo's powerful strike taking a deflection and giving Jonas Mendes a routine stop.

    Nigeria went in front when Moses Simon whipped in a dangerous cross intended for Osimhen and Sangante smashed the ball into the roof of his own net.

    They had a great chance to double the lead just before half-time as an unmarked Osimhen headed wide and threatened again two minutes into the second half when Mendes smothered Simon's shot.

    An action-packed start saw Osimhen's headed effort loop wide and Dalcio had his low strike saved at the other end before Osimhen had an effort ruled out for offside.

    Guinea-Bissau threatened in the final 10 minutes when Fali Cande's free-kick took an awkward bounce, but Nwabali managed to push it wide before Gomes headed wide from the resulting corner.

    The late pressure almost paid off as a ferocious strike from Franculino Dju was ruled out for offside and Nigeria managed to see the game out.

    READ MORE: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to return for treatment for muscle injury at AFCON
     

    Recommended Offers

    betting card

    £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

    New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

    New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get £10 in Free Bets

    New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad