Izuchukwu OkosiThe Super Eagles earned a berth in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire with a lucky 1-0 win against Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian team finished second in Group A behind surprise package Equatorial Guinea who thumped hosts Cote d’Ivoire 4-0 on Monday evening.
Prime Business Africa’s Izuchukwu Okosi presents the observations from the nervy clash.
READ ALSO: Sangante’s Own Goal Gifts Lucky Super Eagles Victory Against Guinea Bissau
1. Eagles turn corner under Peseiro
Prior to the 1-0 win in Monday evening, the Super Eagles had never won a game back to back game under the stewardship of Jose Peseiro.
But after the scrappy 1-0 win over hosts Cote d’Ivoire and the latest victory, the team has never been this lucky but all that seems to have changed.
The team not played beautifully but they are grinding out the results.
2. Osimhen misses a creative midfielder, Boniface
African Footballer of The Year award winner Victor Osimhen has only one goal thus far in the tournament.
The services he has had have not come in a flurry albeit he has also missed those ones on a plate for him.
This shows that the team still needs to unearth great midfield superstars in the mould of Austin Jay Jay Okocha.
As Prime Business Africa reiterated in their last game, that chance was lost with Eberechi Eze who pledged allegiance to England.
The absence of strike partner Victor Boniface also accounts for why most chances are missed and Osimhen denied a player who understands his game.
3. Loss of possessions
The Super Eagles defenders lost possession of the ball a couple of times and West Bromwich Albion star Semi Ajayi was mostly guilty of this.
Ajayi nearly let Guinea Bissau equalise before they did attempt but denied by an offside flag. However, Chippa United goalie Stanley Nwabali was quick off his lines to sweep away.
Whoever they play in the round of 16, those defensive lapses must be cut off if they hope to go further in the tournament.
4. Unlucky Sanusi
Porto left back Zaidu poked home the ball and wheeled away in celebration but his ‘goal’ was legitimately ruled out as Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi blew her whistle.
The reason was because Victor Osimhen unintentionally hit the ball enroute the goal being scored.
That certainly would have made the result more flattering for the Super Eagles.
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