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Nigeria into the last 16 with narrow win over Guinea-Bissau
Opa Sangante’s own goal earned Nigeria a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau as it sealed its spot in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
The Super Eagles went ahead after 36 minutes when Sangante put through his own net but were unable to capitalise on a series of good chances to extend their lead, with Napoli star Victor Osimhen going close multiple times.
With Equatorial Guinea thumping Cote d'Ivoire in the other game in the group, Nigeria finished second in Group A to set up a meeting with the runner-up in Group C on Sunday (AEDT).
The loss capped off a miserable campaign for already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau, which threatened Nigeria in the final stages but finished with three defeats from three matches.
Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali made the first save of the game from Nito Gomes’ ambitious long-range effort, but the Super Eagles grew into the game, Joe Aribo’s powerful strike taking a deflection and giving Jonas Mendes a routine stop.
Nigeria went in front when Moses Simon whipped in a dangerous cross intended for Osimhen and Sangante smashed the ball into the roof of his own net.
It had a great chance to double the lead just before half-time as an unmarked Osimhen headed wide and threatened again two minutes into the second half when Mendes smothered Simon’s shot.
An action-packed start saw Osimhen’s headed effort loop wide and Dalcio had his low strike saved at the other end before Osimhen had an effort ruled out for offside.
Guinea-Bissau threatened in the final 10 minutes when Fali Cande’s free-kick took an awkward bounce, but Nwabali managed to push it wide before Gomes headed wide from the resulting corner.
The late pressure almost paid off as a ferocious strike from Franculino Dju was ruled out for offside and Nigeria managed to see the game out.