In a Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Nigeria defeated Guinea-Bissau 1-0. The only goal of the game came when Opa Sangante of Guinea-Bissau inadvertently deflected a cross from Moses Simon into his own net just before halftime. Both teams had goals disallowed in the second half due to offside, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen also had a goal disallowed for a handball.
Despite the loss, Guinea-Bissau had no chance of advancing to the knockout stages. The match marked a historic moment as Bouchra Karboubi became the second woman to referee an Afcon finals game and headed the first all-female officiating team at the tournament. Nigeria finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, and they will face the second-placed team from Group C (Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon) in the round of 16. Osimhen had several missed opportunities to score, but Nigeria’s overall dominance secured their victory.
The result, coupled with Ivory Coast’s surprising loss, ensured Nigeria’s progression to the knockout stages, although improvement in their attacking efficiency will be crucial for their further success in the tournament.
