Nigeria advanced to the next round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in their last Group A game at the Félix Houphouët Boigny Stadium on Monday.
The Super Eagles could have easily won the game by a wide margin, but a couple of missed chances, including two clear headers by Victor Osimhen and a one-on-one opportunity from Moses Simon, meant Nigeria settled for a slim win against the Wild Dogs.
A first-half own goal by Opa Sangante from a cross into the box by Moses Simon was all that was for Nigeria to secure the maximum three points, which took the country’s total points to seven but was not enough for the Eagles to finish first in the group.
Rather, it was Equatorial Guinea that finished first in the group after thrashing hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-0 in the second Group A fixture at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe.
Though both finished the group stage with seven points apiece, Equatorial Guinea had a superior difference with six goals, while Nigeria had two goals.
Emilio Nsue took his tournament tally to five goals after scoring twice against the hosts. Pablo Ganet and Jannick Sam scored the remaining two goals for Equatorial Guinea in the game.
Ultimately, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have now advanced to the next stage of the tournament.