AFCON: Super Eagles beat Guinea Bissau to maintain perfect start

Super Eagles of Nigeria completed their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau at Ominisports Roumde Adjia Stadium on Wednesday night.

The result ensured that the Super Eagles topped the group with nine points from three games.

In the thrilling encounter, Mama Samba Balde tried to capitalize on a moment of hesitation from William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi but Francis Uzoho came off the line to save in the 10th minute.

Four minutes later, Semi Ajayi couldn’t divert his header home from Kelechi Nwakali’s cross. Another foray coordinated by the Super Eagles saw Sadiq Umar setting up Ajayi but Fali Cande made a timely clearance.

On the half hour, Maurice Gomis stayed at the right place to stop a volley from Kelechi Iheanacho.

The first half ended goalless in Garoua.

The Super Eagles grabbed the curtain raiser through Umar after a lovely combination with Kelechi Iheanacho in the 55th minute.

Defender William Troost-Ekong also did well to block a goal bound strike from Fali Cande on the hour mark.

Braima Jorge also did well with a crucial block to foil Alex Iwobi who fired the canoon after a smart cutback by Moses Simon.

The second goal arrived on 74 minutes after a review by VAR. Moses Simon went past three Guinea-Bissau players and pulled the trigger, but the ball hit the bar and bounced to William Troost-Ekong who reacted quickest to score.

Super Eagles keeper Francis Uzoho dived at full stretch to frustrate Ladislau Alves.

Frank Onyeka and Olisa Ndah were also thrown into the fray for their AFCON debut.

Guinea Bissau tried to pull one back through Frédéric Mendy but Uzoho was up to the task with a decent save.

Super Eagles top Group D with 9 points while Egypt came second with 6 points after defeating Sudan 1-0.

Sudan and Guinea Bissau finished third and fourth respectively with one point each.

Photo credit: Pooja media