AFCON 2021 Group Stage: Super Eagles, Best By None!

By Ngome Michael

Captain William Troost Ekong and forward, Umar Sadiq scored two second half goals against Guinea Bissau that guaranteed three time AFCON winners, Nigeria – 9 points in Group D.

Despite being without Victor Osimhen and missing Odion Ighalo, the team under former captain, Augustine Eguavoen have found a better version of itself with an opening win against Egypt and comfortable wins against Sundan and Guinea Bissau in Garoua.

56_year_old Eguavoen made eight changes to the side that beat Sudan on day two as the team looked to staying in Garoua for Round of 16.

Defender Semi Ajayi almost opened scoring through a header from a set piece. Fali Cande’s free kick seemed to have gone off the hand of Troost Ekong for a penalty but was overturned by VAR.

Simon Moses’s blistering strike came off the woodwork to meet Ekong who tapped it into an empty net adding to Sadiq’s 56th minute opener. Referee, Peter Waweru signaled offside but VAR later awarded the defender his third goal for Nigeria.

Guinea Bissau in several upfield runs failed to score, with Jorginho, Ucha Alves testing goalkeeper Uzoho.

Guinea retires home with a draw and two defeats which has been the case in the last two editions.

Meantime Carlos Queiroz and Egypt did the needful in Yaoundé edging Sudan 1-0 to finish second with six points. The Pharoahs have scored just twice in competition.