2023 AFCON Guinea-Bissau 0 Nigeria 1: Five takeaways from Super Eagles' win against Wild Dogs 

Nigeria progressed to the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Guinea -Bissau.

 

The Super Eagles qualify alongside Equatorial Guinea, who finished  top of the group with seven points but with a superior goal difference.

 

Nigeria took the lead with an own-goal from Opa Sanganté, who inadvertently directed a cross from Moses Simon into the net in the 36th minute.

 

Nigeria finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, who defeated Ivory Coast 4-0 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game.

 

1) Nigeria achieves back-to-back clean sheets under Peseiro's leadership

 

Following a less-than-impressive 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, Coach Peseiro made a tactical adjustment to a back-three system in the subsequent match against Ivory Coast, resulting in Nigeria securing its first consecutive clean sheets since September 2023.

 

Peseiro, the Portuguese manager, continued with the back-three system in the match against Guinea Bissau, and once again, the team achieved another clean sheet. 

 

This marks the first time under Peseiro's leadership that Nigeria has recorded back-to-back clean sheets since he took charge in 2022.

 

The last occasion when Nigeria secured consecutive clean sheets was in a 2-0 victory over Central African Republic on October 10, 2021, followed by another clean sheet in a 2-0 triumph against Liberia on November 13, 2021.

 

2) Frank Onyeka solid in midfield 

 

Tasked with the duty of filling Ndidi's role in the midfield, the Brentford midfielder delivered yet another commendable performance for Nigeria. Onyeka registered two interceptions and triumphed in six ground duels before being substituted.

 

In the 50th minute, Onyeka received a caution and was subsequently replaced by Raphael Onyedika thirteen minutes later.

 

3) Osimhen's struggles with converting big opportunities persist

 

While managing to net the equalizer in the AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen has encountered difficulties in capitalizing on significant opportunities throughout the tournament. 

 

The Napoli striker notably squandered a golden chance against Equatorial Guinea when facing Jesus Owono but failed to find the target.

 

In the 1-0 victory against Ivory Coast, Osimhen missed some glorious opportunities, and he also failed to convert two chances in the match against Guinea Bissau. He concluded the game without registering a shot on goal.

 

For Nigeria to have a shot at winning the tournament, Osimhen will need to start converting these opportunities into goals.

 

4) Moses Simon shines on the left flank

 

Moses Simon, who initially struggled in the tournament, made a noteworthy comeback in the absence of Ademola Lookman.

 

Starting the competition with a lackluster performance against Equatorial Guinea, the Nantes winger temporarily lost his place in the lineup to Samuel Chukwueze.

 

However, seizing the opportunity to replace Lookman in the lineup against Guinea Bissau, Simon showcased a remarkable performance, standing out on the field ahead of the upcoming knockout stage. 

 

His outstanding display not only earned him the Man of the Match Award but also positioned him as a strong contender for a regular spot in the starting eleven.

 

5) Zaidu Sanusi's goal correctly disallowed 

 

After coming off the bench to replace Bright Osayi-Samuel in the closing minutes, Zaidu thought he had doubled the advantage but the goal was disallowed by the Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi.

 

Upon VAR review,  Osimhen inadvertently touched the ball with a hand in the build-up to Zaidu's goal.

 

The referee make a correct call in disallowing a goal scored by Guinea Bissau due to an offside play. 
 

 

 

Adeyemi Adewale

 

 

 

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