By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-23 04:52:40
The Super Eagles secured their spot in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau. Meanwhile, there was a shocking turn of events at the Allassane Quattara Stadium in Abidjan, where the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.
Despite the Wild Dogs’ poor performances in their first two games, Nigeria was expected to dominate Guinea Bissau. However, Guinea Bissau put up a strong fight, and it wasn’t until the 37th minute that Nigeria scored the winning goal, courtesy of an own-goal by Guinea Bissau’s defender, Opa Sangante, under pressure from Victor Osimhen.
Throughout the match, Nigeria had numerous opportunities to score, but poor marksmanship and uncoordinated play in Guinea Bissau’s box prevented them from increasing their lead. Guinea Bissau also had their chances in the second half, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, prevented them from equalizing. Both teams had goals disallowed, and Nigeria ultimately secured the victory, finishing second in Group A.
As for hosts Cote d’Ivoire, they were left disappointed after their 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea. The loss almost ended their hopes in the championship, which they are hosting for the second time. Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue, who is now the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, scored a double in the match.
Equatorial Guinea’s victory saw them finish on top of Group A, while Cote d’Ivoire’s chances of advancing now hang in the balance. Having spent over $400 million to host the championship, Cote d’Ivoire will have to wait for the conclusion of other groups’ games to see if they will continue featuring in the tournament.
In the end, it was a significant day at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria securing their spot in the second round and Equatorial Guinea causing a major upset against hosts Cote d’Ivoire. Both results added an exciting twist to the ongoing championship, leaving fans eager to see what unfolds in the next round of matches.
Read the original article on The Guardian
