AFCON 2023: Fans React to Nigeria's 'Bizarre' Route to the Last 16

• Nigeria qualified for the AFCON last 16 on Monday night, January 22
• The Super Eagles sealed progression after beating Guinea-Bissau 1-0
• Sangate was responsible for Nigeria's win after he netted an own goal

Nigeria's bizarre route to the knockout phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has elicited mixed reactions among fans.

The Super Eagles booked their spot in the last 16 of the tournament on Monday night following their 1-0 slim win over Equatorial Guinea.

According to the Evening Standard, the West African football powerhouse went into the tie knowing a draw would be enough to earn them a place in the next round.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their Group A opener, with Victor Osimhen finding the back of the net during the tie.

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Their second group fixture ended with a similar scoreline against hosts Ivory Coast, with William Troost-Ekong scoring the all-important goal from the penalty spot.

Incredibly, Nigeria's final game ended with another 1-0 win against Guinea-Bissau via an own goal scored by Opa Sangate.

Sangate directed the ball into his own net while trying to stop it from reaching Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen.

Fans react to Nigeria's bizarre results

Nigeria's qualification for the round of 16 came after a somewhat bizarre run of results that had seen them score only three goals during the group stages.

Fans quickly took to social media to react to the run, with some claiming the Super Eagles have been lucky.

@ImmortalRichy posted:

"Nigeria has qualified for the next AFCON round but by luck; It's been such a disappointing performance from the Super Eagles."

@_theBRIGGS reckoned:

"And to be honest we’re not going far in this competition."

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@bade_UTD pointed out:

"Work smart not hard, see y’all in the knockout round."

@VjWale added:

"Getting the job done by any means."

Nigeria get Drogba's backing

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba admitting that the Super Eagles are one of the best teams at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has backed them to go far.

On January 18, Nigeria's national team showed their title credentials after defeating AFCON hosts, Ivory Coast 1-0 in front of their fans, with the Blues icon also present at the stadium.