Nigeria 3 Sudan 1 : Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Simon strike as Eagles qualify for knockout stage

Nigeria's Super Eagles reached the round of 16 stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Saturday evening after a 3-1 win against Sudan at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.

Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Simon were the scorers for Austin Eguavoen's side.

Chukwueze scored early in the game as he was teed up by Moses Simon at the edge of the box and he expertly finished firing the ball below the grasp of Sudanese goalkeeper Ali Abu-Eshrein.

The Eagles had a couple of goal scoring chances with the 26th minute opportunity that was presented to Taiwo Awoniyi the closest.

The Union Berlin striker was found by Kelechi Iheanacho but his scoffed shot was deflected for a corner kick.

With three minutes left on the clock in the first half, Awoniyi received the ball from Joe Aribo. He should have aimed at the goal but he chose to reverse the ball but the Glasgow Rangers midfielder man produced a weak effort and the chance gone.

However in the 45th minute Awoniyi was at the right place as his fortuitous header was enough to direct the ball to the bottom left corner. Abu-Eshrein in goal for Sudan sprawled desperately to prevent it from going in.

The video assistant referee had to confirm the ball passed the line before coach Eguavoen could join his crew in celebration.

The Eagles made it 3-0 immediately after the restart with a strike at the near post from Moses Simon.

Nigeria had a goal ruled out after Iheanacho who 'assisted' for second half substitute Alex Iwobi was deemed by the video assistant referee to have retrieved the ball after it crossed the byline before he whipped in a cross.

Sudan reduced the arrears in the 70th minute after Ola Aina fouled an opponent inside the box which the VAR spotted and  Khedr Safour Daiyeen scored from the penalty spot sending Okoye the wrong way.

Both sides created a few more chances but it ended 3-1 in favour of the three-time African champions.