…Obaseki celebrates Super Eagles
… Edo FA honors Musa, Osimhen
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Monday.
The only goal came when Opa Sangate diverted Moses Simon’s cross into his own net seven minutes before the break.
Both sides had goals ruled out in the second half for offside, while Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen also had an effort disallowed for handball.
With his squad hit with injuries, coach Jose Peseiro made four changes to the Nigerian team that started in the 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Kenneth Omeruo took over the captainship from the injured William Troost-Ekong, while Bright Osayi Samuel made his first AFCON start. At the same time, Moses Simon and Joe Aribo also got the nod ahead of Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
Despite Nigeria retaining the 3-4-3 formation that worked so well against the Ivorians, the Eagles failed to get a grip of the game, with Guinea-Bissau dominating the early stages.
Notwithstanding edging the possession stats, Guinea-Bissau lacked the cutting edge in attack, and Nigeria made them pay with the opening goal just past the hour mark.
Omeruo sent a long ball to Aina on the flanks. The Nottingham Forest full-back nodded it into the pride of Simon, who took it in his stride and sent a low cross for Osimhen, but Opa Sangante intercepted the pass and diverted it into his net.
Still, the Super Eagles failed to press home their advantage and increase their lead before the referee whistled for the end of the half.
Nigeria started the second half on the front foot and came close to scoring, but Simon chose to dribble the keeper when he could have slotted the ball home. The keeper eventually gathered the ball before the Nantes winger could turn it into the net.
Osimhen got the ball into the net shortly after from a fine Osayi-Samuel cross, but the goal was ruled off as the Napoli striker had handled the ball before pushing it into the net.
Nigeria were poor in attack, and Osimhen was a big culprit as he headed the ball wide from a great Aina cross.
With ten minutes left, Guinea-Bissau thought they had their equaliser, but it was correctly ruled out for offside.
It was the turn of Nigeria to have their celebration cut short as Zaidu Sanusi’s goal was also disallowed moments later.
Nigeria, with the win, have qualified for the knockout round of AFCON with seven points from three games.
Interestingly, the Super Eagles finished as Group A runners-up after Equatorial Guinea outclassed hosts Cote d’Ivoire 4-0 in the other group game.
Equatorial Guinea boast the same number of points as Nigeria but edge the Super Eagles on a better goal difference.
Cote d’Ivoire have three points, but with a -3 goal difference, the Ivorians may miss out on being one of the four third-best teams to advance to the next stage.
The Super Eagles will face the second-placed side from Group C, which will be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon, in the last 16 on Saturday (20:00 GMT).
Strikingly, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for another thrilling performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating their rival, Guinea Bissau 1-0 to qualify for the next stage of the competition, which is taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement, Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate our dear Super Eagles for another impressive performance in the ongoing 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating Guinea Bissau 1-0 and clinching seven points to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
“You have continued to showcase the resilient and indomitable Nigerian spirit, flying the country’s flag high with pride and passion and we are proud of your achievements and exploits.
“I urge you to remain focused and maintain the high level of discipline and commitment that has brought you this far as you progress in the continental tournament. We are all rallying behind you, and believe in your ability to bring home the laurel. Congratulations.”
Similarly, the Edo State Football Association (Edo FA) held a special ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to recognize and honour Super Eagles players of Edo origin, Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen.
The brief ceremony, held at the Pullman Abidjan Hotel, saw Edo FA representatives present souvenirs to both players in appreciation of their contributions to Nigerian football and their Edo State heritage.
In his remarks, Edo FA Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunsen praised Musa and Osimhen for being “good ambassadors of Nigeria and the good people of Edo state.”
He conveyed the good wishes of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and assured the players of “maximum support and prayers from the Edo people who are eager to receive the players once they conquer Africa again.”
Erhunmwunsen stated, “On behalf of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Sports Commission chairman, Yusuf Alli, members of the Edo State FA, and the good people of Edo State, we are proud to have you in our family and happy to see your exploits for your club and country.”
