By: Ayandare Ibrahim
The Nigerian Super Eagles are on the brink of qualifying for the next stage of the African Cup of Nations(AFCON), with their fate hinging on not succumbing to defeat in their upcoming match against Guinea Bissau. This follows their triumphant outing last Thursday, where they edged past the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in a gripping encounter at the AFCON, clinching a 1:0 victory.
The game’s decisive moment came when Captain Troost-Ekong of Greek club PAOK flawlessly executed a penalty, awarded after Victor Oshimen was fouled, a decision confirmed following a VAR review. This pivotal event occurred 10 minutes into the second half at the E’bimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
In their opening match, the Super Eagles faced Equatorial Guinea, marking their first-ever clash in the AFCON. The intense battle concluded with a 1:1 draw, with Equatorial Guinea’s Ivan Edu Salvador striking first, just before the first half’s conclusion. However, the Super Eagles swiftly responded, with Victor Osimhen restoring parity.
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles are set to confront Guinea-Bissau in their final group stage match on Monday. Guinea-Bissau is yet to secure a win or draw in their two matches. Nigeria, needing only to avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau – who were previously bested 4-2 by Equatorial Guinea – is poised to secure a top-two finish in their group.
Currently, Nigeria stands second in Group A, amassing four points, identical to that of Equatorial Guinea, but trailing behind due to goal difference. The host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, faces a must-win scenario against Equatorial Guinea in their final group match on Monday to ensure their progression.
Despite their advantageous position, the Super Eagles’ recent performances have raised concerns, marked by a loss of possession and missed opportunities. The absence of key players like Umar Sodik and Victor Boniface due to injuries further complicates their campaign. Their presence could have significantly bolstered the Eagles’ attacking prowess, making their absence a notable challenge as the team vies for supremacy in the tournament.
