AFCON: Super Eagles Qualify for Last 16

Ololade Adeyanju & NAN/

Super Eagles of Nigeria have emerged the first team to book a place in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Super Eagles qualified from Group B after defeating Guinea by a lone goal in their second group match this afternoon.

Defender, Kenneth Omeruo, scored the winner in the 73rd minute of the match played in Alexandria.

The Chelsea FC player, who is presently on loan at Spanish La Liga side Leganes, rose in the penalty area above Guinean defenders to head home a Simon Moses corner kick.

The win took the Super Eagles to six points from two games, for a comfortable lead in Group B ahead of their final group game against Madagascar on Sunday in Alexandria.

The result put Guinea in a difficult position, having drawn 2-2 with Madagascar in their first match, and now need to beat Burundi in their last group match on Sunday.

Basking in the euphoria of their opening game win, the Super Eagles were dominant in this second game, rising to the occasion by controlling the game.

Needing a draw to maintain group leadership, Nigeria played with confidence, even when threatened by their opponents’ robust play.

Having dropped team captain Mikel Obi, and with Leon Balogun returning, Nigeria looked more mobile but still failed to get the ball to Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo as required.

In spite of Etebo Oghenekaro, Wilfried Ndidi and Alex Iwobi always getting in the mix with the Guineans, the Syli Nationale was always winning the battle in the middle.

Iwobi had one of the best chances when it was goalless, with a curled effort from just outside the penalty area.

But Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone produced a spectacular one-handed save to push it over the bar.

Guinea’s Naby Keita, who was making his first start for club or country in about seven weeks, received some strong challenges in order to be kept quiet until he was substituted.

He has replaced just before a Nigeria corner kick and Guinea went behind instantly, through Omeruo’s header to Moses’ right flank corner kick.

NAN reports that Guinea is now with one point from two games.

The group’s next matches are on Sunday, with Nigeria needing only a draw against Madagascar to win the group.

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