While qualification for the Round of 16 has long been secured and the top spot also guaranteed, the Super Eagles still have reason to go full throttle in their final group game tonight against Guinea Bissau.
Among other things, the Eagles have the chance of emerging as the only team at AFCON 2021 to win all three group games; a development that should strike fear in the minds of their potential round of 16 opponents.
The Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, currently has the record of being the only manager to have won all three AFCON group games, achieved in 2006, and he would be happy to repeat the same 16 years after.
For the ‘Wild Dogs’ as Guinea Bissau are fondly called, the stakes are much higher as only the maximum three points can keep them in contention in Cameroon.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for Live Updates
The kick-off at the Roumde Adjia stadium is scheduled for 8.00 p.m.
The stage is set here in Garoua where both the Nigeria national team and their Guinea Bissau counterparts are ready for action
Both countries national anthems already rendered and we are good to go
Plenty of changes in the Super Eagles team
Nigeria’s starting lineup vs Guinea – Bissau: Uzoho; Ebuehi, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Collins; Ndidi, Nwakali, Iheanacho, Ejuke, Iwobi; Sadiq
Substitutes : Noble, Okoye, Olayinka, Omeruo, Simon, Awoniyi, Onyekuru, Musa, Onyeka, Ndah, Chukwueze, Sanusi
A minute silence for Bava Bachirou
Kickoff by the Super Eagles!
First throw in for Guniea Bissau and the Wild Dogs also win the first free kick of the game
A free kick by Guinea Bissau goes straight into the hands of Francis Uzoho in goal for Nigeria
Sadiq Umar makes a run into the Guinea Bissau goal but he was brought down and disposed of the ball
Semi Ajayi tries to connect Chidera Ejuke but the pass was a bit too much.
Guinea Bissau 0-0 Nigeria
Jamilu Collins with a throw-in for Nigeria but the referee blows for an infringement against the Super Eagles
Iwobi tries a long pass intended for Iheanacho but the Leicester City man could not get the ball
Great chance for Guinea Bissau as Semi Ajayi was beaten to the ball but Uzoho rushes out for a great save
A big scare for the Eagles but it remains 0-0 after 12 minutes
Collins sweeps in cross from the left wing but Iwobi let down with his poor control
Guinea’s Mama Samba Balde with the best chance of the night so far
Free kick for Nigeria in a promising position, Nwakali sweeps into the box but Semi Ajayi’s header goes over the bar
Jamilu Collins threatening on the left side of the attack for Nigeria
This is the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau at the AFCON tournament
Free kick for Nigeria after a rough tackle on Ndidi
Chidera Ejuke with a thunderous shot blocked away for a corner kick for Nigeria
22 Minutes gone Guinea Bissau 0-0 Nigeria
One-touch too many as Sadiq Umar misses another chance having been disposed of the ball in the Guinea penalty box
Guinea goalkeeper Gomez being attended to my medics after a clash with Nigeria’s Sadiq Umar
Game back on and it is still Guinea Bissau 0-0 Nigeria
Good defensive work by Semi Ajayi
While this is Nigeria’s 19th participation at AFCON, it is only a third for Guinea Bissau
Ejuke sandwiched by two Guinea defenders but wins a corner kick
CHANCE!! Ihenacho gets a touch to the corner kick from Nwakali but his effort taken care of by the Guinea Bissau keeper
Coach Augustine Eguavoen on his feet all through
The clock is winding down in Garoua…
A fierce shot by Jorginho for Guniea but it is off the target
One minute added time
Half Time: Guinea Bissau 0-0 Nigeria
The two teams are finding their way back to the pitch for the second 45 minutes
Guinea Bissau get the game back underway!
Throw in for Super Eagles… Early pressing by the Nigerian lads
Ebuehi trips off the ball and gives possession away to Guinea Bissau
Sadiq Umar GOAL!!!
The long legs of the UD Almeria striker come in handy this time
Double change for Super Eagles.. Sadiq Umar and Chidera Ejuke are subbed off for Peter Olayinka and Moses Simon
We have crossed the hour-mark and it is Guinea 0-1 Nigeria
Save! Francis Uzoho makes a crucial save from Fali Cande’s wicked free kick. Corner kick to Guinea-Bissau.
Game momentarily stopped as Mama Balde appears injured
Game back on
Egypt are leading Sudan 1-0 in Yaounde in the other Group D clash
Free kick as Iheancho and Cande collide against each other
Substitution for Guinea Alfa Semedo replacing Panutche Camara.
Free kick for Guinea Bissau
Moses Simon adds bite to the Super Eagles attack with his entrant
Iheanacho’s deflected off for a corner kick
Brilliant move by Moses and the ball in the net but being checked on VAR
Nwakali taken off for Frank Onyeka
Tyronne Ebuehi also taken off for Olisa Ndah
Sweet move my Moses Simon there but we await the final decision on the goal tapped in by Ekong
ITS A GOAL!!! Guinea Bissau 0-2 Nigeria
Uzoho called to action as Guinea Bissau make a decent attempt
Uzoho was furious with his defenders who allowed for another chance for Guinea Bissau
The Wild Dogs are toothless against the Super Eagles for now as it remains 2-0 in Garoua
Moses with another clinical move and wins a corner kick for Nigeria
Henry Onyekuru is brought in for Kelechi Iheancho
Again Moses Simon dribbles his way to the Guinea Bissau territory but he is denied by Maurice Gomis.
Five minutes added time
Moses Simon has his effort side netting
FULL TIME Guinea Bissau 0-2 Nigeria
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To place an advert here . Call Willie - +2348098788999
JOIN THE CONVERSATION