The Super Eagles came from a goal
down to beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in a 2018 African Nations Championship
(Chan) Group C clash at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco on Tuesday evening.
Victory for Nigeria sealed their
place in the knockout stages as group winners with goals from Anthony Okpotu,
Ekundayo Ojo and Rabiu Ali condemning Nzalang Nacional to a third straight
defeat.
Libya join the Super Eagles in the
quarterfinals of the continental competition following their 1-0 win over
Rwanda at the same time.
Nigeria made all the early moves as
they went in search of an early goal in Agadir, but it would be Equatorial
Guinea to hit the front against the run of play in the 40th minute of the
match.
Nsi Eyama Salvador, who is only
17-years-old, on hand to power home an unstoppable header from a corner-kick to
give Equatorial Guinea a surprise lead.
Nigeria, though, should've leveled
matters soon after, but Sunday Faleye failed to hit the target with the goal at
his mercy as the Super Eagles headed for the tunnel at the break with their
progress in the tournament in doubt.
The Super Eagles finally found the
equalizer in the 59th minute following a sustained spell of pressure.
Anthony Okpotu making no mistake
from close range as he guided a thunderous header into the roof of the net to
send the Nigerian fans into delirium.
The West African's hit the front 10
minutes later as Ojo hammered home a long range bullet. Equatorial Guinea
shot-stopper Beka Elibiyo was left with little chance as the midfielder's
attempt rifled into the back of the net from distance.
Nigeria made sure of the result with
83 minutes on the clock as Ali converted from the spot following a foul in the
area.
Next up for the Super Eagles is a
clash against the Group D runner-up with Angola, Congo and Burkina Faso all
still in the running for a place in the knockout stages.
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