Sadiq Umar, Troost-Ekong Score As Super Eagles Knock Guinea-Bissau Out of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Sadiq Umar, Troost-Ekong Score As Super Eagles Knock Guinea-Bissau Out of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
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  • Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria lived up to its billing as both teams gave a good account of themselves in their final group game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
  • The Super Eagles dominated most parts of the first half and they should have gotten, at least, a goal
  • Second-half goals from Sadiq Umar and William Troost-Ekong were enough for Nigeria to end the group stage with a hundred per cent record

Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen made eight changes to the side that defeated Sudan on Saturday as they looked to finish the group stage with a 100 per cent record.

Sadiq Umar who missed a handful of chances opened the scoring of the encounter having found the back of the net in the 56th minute.

William Troost-Ekong sealed the win for the three-time champion having tucked home from close range as it ended in a 2-0 for the Eagles.

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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria ended in a 2-0 win for the Super Eagles. Photo: Daniel Beloumou Olomo
Source: Getty Images

It's three wins from three for Augustine Eguavoen's men from Group D as Nigeria put up a solid performance at the tournament so far.

The Super Eagles began the encounter on a front foot and in the 6th minute, Semi Ajayi tried to connect Chidera Ejuke but the pass was way too much.

In the 10th minute, Mama Samba Balde of Guinea-Bissau tried to capitalize on a moment of hesitation from William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi, but goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was there to save. The striker went down injured.

Four minutes later Semi Ajayi failed to convert a beautiful cross from Kelechi Nwakali as it was a brilliant delivery by the former Arsenal man.

Nigeria’s best chance of the first half came in the 23rd minute when Kelechi Nwakali beat two defenders and tucked an inviting pass to Sadiq Umar who was through on goal, but the Almeria of Spain striker fluffed his chance.

In the 31st minute, Kelechi Iheanacho’s volley off a corner kick was easily dealt with by the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Maurice Gomis.

Guinea-Bissau almost found the back of the net in the 44th minute when Mane Manconi Soriano capitalised after Super Eagles couldn't clear their lines. Francis Uzoho was clearly in no man's land. He was rooted to the spot, but the ball went wide as it ended goalless at the break.

And in the 54th minute, Iheancho tried to lobe the ball into the net, but Gomis parried it over the bar for a Nigeria corner.

Moments later, Sadiq Umar tucked home a Kelechi Iheanacho pass on the far side to put Nigeria ahead. 1-0 Nigeria.

Guinea-Bissau almost restored parity on the hour-mark when Francis Uzoho made a world-class stop from Fali Cande's wicked free-kick.

Nigeria made it 2-0 in the 74th minute when the ball came off the woodwork and fell to Troost-Ekong who tucked home. After VAR review, Troost-Ekong's goal stood.

It ended: Guinea-Bissau 0-2 Nigeria

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that the Pharaohs of Egypt are through to the knockout phase of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Having lost their opening fixture to Nigeria, the Pharaohs picked up a win against Guinea-Bissau in their second game, before defeating Gambia 1-0 in their last group game.

Thanks to a sensational header by Mohamed Abdelmoneim whose lone striker was enough to seal all three points for his side.

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Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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