AFCON 2019: Nigeria edge Guinea 1-0 to qualify for next round

Omeruo celebrating after a sublime header

By Victor Charles

A sublime Kenneth Omeruo header in the 73rd minutes secured passage for the Super Eagles to advance to the round of 16 as the first African side to qualify with an emphatic victory over Syli National of Guinea decided at the Alexandria Stadium, Egypt.

In a first half of few clear cut opportunities, the Super Eagles could have taken the lead in the 32nd minute when Odion Ighalo's crafty attempt with a low shot goes inches off target with unmarked Ahmed Musa waiting for a squared pass.

The Eagles were held to a goals draw in the first half of the encounter as both sides scrabble for goals to break the deadlock.

Nigeria started the second half contest on the front football and should have opened the scoring in the 60th minutes when Ahmed Musa breaks from the left flanks with an intended square pass into the box for unmarked Ighalo was cleared for a corner by the Guinean defender.

Meanwhile, mid way through the second half the Eagles dominated proceeding and soon got the rewards for their effort from Moses Simon cross from a set piece with Kenneth Omeruo making no mistaks to head it home for Nigeria in the 73rd minute.

The Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr made five changes to the starting line up that defeated Burundi 1-0 on Saturday and his charges did not disappoint, delivering a win that ensure Nigeria qualifying for the next round of the African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the last two editions of the competition and last won it in South Africa in 2013

Next up for the Super Eagles of Nigeria is the final group game against Madagascar, as they looked set to complete the unbeaten run when both side trade tackle at the Alexandria Stadium, Egypt.