Nigeria have topped Group D at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with a full haul of nine points following a comfortable 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Cameroon on Wednesday night.
The Super Eagles will advance to play a third-placed team from Group B, E or F in their last 16 clash on January 23. As for the Djurtus , their third Afcon appearance has ended with two defeats and one draw.
Nigeria scored their opening goal on the 56th minute courtesy of Sadiq Umar who successfully finished off a pass from Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Super Eagles added their second goal on the 74th minute when a sensational solo effort from substitute Moses Simon rebounded before being placed in the back of the net by William Troost-Ekong.
Nigeria saw most of the ball in the opening exchanges, but they were struggling to penetrate the Guinea-Bissau defence with Super Eagles being limited to shots from distance.
Alex Iwobi unleashed a thunderous shot from range which was well-saved by goalkeeper Maurice Gomis.
The Super Eagles kept probing and they managed to cut open the Djurtus for the first time following a quick one-two between Sori Man and Moreto Cassama on the edge of the box.
Wilfried Ndidi’s scooped pass sent Chidera Ujeke through on goal, but he hit the side-netting from a one-on-one situation with the on-rushing Gomis.
Guinea-Bissau were looking to use their aerial presence as long balls got floated in Nigeria’ area towards half-time and Mama Balde’s header was cleared off the goal-line by Jamilu Collins, so the score was 0-0 at half-time.
Nigeria continued to dominate when the second half resumed, but they failed to create any clear-cut openings and were restricted to playing long balls.
They went ahead of the 56th minute when a l. A combined counter-attacking move led to a goal from striker Sadiq Umar, who successfully finished off a pass from Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Super Eagles piled on the pressure in the closing stages and their captain, William Ekong scored in the 74th minute to give his team a convincing win.
Nigeria, as Group D winners, will face a third-placed team from Group B, E or F in their round of 16 clash, set for Garoua on Sunday, 23 January.
