Nigeria secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan.
The decisive moment unfolded in the 36th minute when Opa Sangante inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net while attempting to thwart Super Eagles’ striker Victor Osimhen. Despite Nigeria’s runner-up status in Group A, trailing behind Equatorial Guinea, the team advances to the Round of 16.
The game, marked by Osimhen’s persistent threats and two disallowed goals due to handballs, showcased a more balanced competition than anticipated based on team rankings. Guinea-Bissau, aware of their elimination before kickoff, delivered a resilient performance, causing Nigeria challenges and having a goal by Franculino Dju disallowed for a marginal offside.
With this victory, Nigeria progresses securely to the next stage, setting up a Round of 16 clash against the second-placed team in Group C—potentially Cameroon, Senegal, or Guinea.
