The Super Eagles became the first side to qualify for the round of 16 at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations as a Kenneth Omeruo’ s goal saw them beat Guinea 1-0 on Wednesday in Alexandria.
Omeruo headed in Moses Simon’s corner with less than 20 minutes remaining to give the Eagles their second win of the tournament.
It was the Eagles’ first win against Guinea since 1997 when they won 2-1 during the qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
The last time the Eagles won their first two games at the AFCON was at the 2006 edition in Egypt.
Guinea had the first attempt on goal in the second minute through Ibrahima Cisse whose left foot shot was cleared by the Eagles defence after Akpeyi spilled it.
In the 12th minute, Alex Iwobi gave the ball away but Leon Balogun did well to track back and clear the ball off the feet of Sory Kaba who was through on goal.
The Eagles went close on 24 minutes as Ola Aina tried a long range strike which was gathered by Ibrahim Kone.
In the 32nd minute Ighalo was put through on goal by Moses Simon on the right side. The China-based forward decided to go on his own, trying to beat the goalkeeper to his side, ignoring an unmarked Ahmed Musa.
Again the Eagles had a chance on 38 minutes this time from Iwobi but his low shot close to Guinea’s box was parried away for a corner by Ibrahim Kone.
The Eagles had another opportunity in the 60th minute off Musa’s breakaway but his intended pass to Ighalo was intercepted for a corner.
Just few minutes later, Iwobi tried a long range strike which was palmed away by Kone.
The Eagles continued to create chances and could have gone ahead but Oghenekaro Etebo’s free-kick which went over the wall was punched away.
The Eagles however broke the deadlock in the 74th minute thanks to Omeruo who headed in Simon’s corner.
In added time Guinea won a free-kick in a good area after Etebo’ foul but the effort was wasted.
The Eagles remain top with six points from two games while Guinea remain on one points from the same number of games played.
Up next for the Eagles is against Madagascar on Sunday.
