The Super Eagles of Nigeria maintained their 100 per cent win record at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations following a hard fought 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau on Wednesday.
Second-half goals from Sadiq Umar and William Troost-Ekong ensured Nigeria progressed into the next round as group winners.
The three-time champions had already booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, after wins against Sudan and Egypt, but there was the option of taking the foot off the gas.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen chose a path of maintaining momentum as his side did put up an impressive display.
Umar got the opener on 56 minutes, sliding the ball home at the far post following a wonderful cross with the outside of his left boot from Kelechi Iheanacho.
Guinea-Bissau almost grabbed an equaliser on the hour, but Fali Cande’s free-kick was well saved by Francis Uzoho.
An equaliser would have been harsh on Nigeria who bossed the second half, and their win was sealed when William Troost-Ekong tapped home from close range after Moses Simon’s strike following a brilliant, jinking run had cannonned off the crossbar.
The win was the first time Nigeria kept a perfect win record in the competition since 2006 when they won all their group encounter to reach the knockout.
Nigeria’s opponents in the round of 16 are still to be determined, while Egypt joined them in progressing after beating Sudan 1-0.
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