Sunday Oliseh’s men have bowed out of the 2016 African Nations Championship after losing to the Syli Nationale
Nigeria have crashed out of the 2016 African Nations Championship after bowing 1-0 to Guinea in their final Group C encounter played at the Umuganda Stadium, Gisenyi.
Ibrahima Sankhon’s first half strike dashed the hopes of the Super Eagles reaching the quarter final of the competition despite staying atop Group C after their first two matches.
The Syli Nationale dominated the first 45mins as they enjoyed great possession but saw their clear call for a penalty waved off by Moroccan referee El Jaafari when Nigeria’s Jamiu Alimi handled the ball in the penalty area.
Nigeria’s first clear opportunity came in the19th minute when Usman Mohammed was brought down just at the edge of the box but defender Chima Akas effort went over the crossbar.
Both teams were forced to make early substitutions due injury worries as Guinea’s Alseny Camara and Nigeria’s Usman Mohammed were replaced with Ibrahima Bangoura and Bature Yaro respectively.
Coach Bangoura’s men, however took the lead on the stroke of half time after Daouda Camara eased past the Nigeria’s defence to lay an assist for Sankhon who slotted in to an empty net – with the Super Eagles’ defence caught off guard.
Coach Sunday Oliseh was forced to make an early substitution in the second half with the introduction of the team’s topscorer Chisom Chikatara for Paul Onobi in a move to get the desired result.
The Guineans held on to their lead as they played more defensive with little attacking threat but the Super Eagles couldn’t break through as they lack creativity.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s Bright Onyedikachi who came on for Tunde Adeniji in the second half came closer to get an equaliser for the Super Eagles but saw his effort tipped for a corner kick by impressive goalkeeper Aziz Abdoul Keita
The Super Eagles were unable to level up before the end of regular time to savour a point for qualification as they finished in the third position behind with 4points behind leader Tunisia with 5points and Guinea 5points.
