The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Sudan 3-1 to book a place in the Round of 16 in the ongoing 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Saturday.
Two first half goals from Samuel Chukwueze (3) and Taiwo Awoniyi (45) gave Nigeria control of the game, with Moses Simon (46) scoring the third few minutes after the restart.
Sudan got a consolation with a penalty after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) instructed the centre referee to take a look at the pitch side monitor and decided that Ola Aina brought down the Secretary Birds defender Mustafa Karshoum, pulling his shirt as a corner was swung in which Waliedin Khidir (70) made no mistake from the spot.
Substitute Alex Iwobi thought he made it 4 for Nigeria but it was ruled out for a throw-in.
With two wins in the two matches, Nigeria has 6 points and joins host nation Cameroon and Morocco in the knockout phase of the competition.
Nigeria did not get out of second gear to beat Sudan, but Interim Coach Austin Eguavoen deny allegations that his players were not complacent in their victory on Saturday.
“No game comes easy. We knew it was going to be tough and tried as much as possible to be ready for any opponent that comes our way,” Eguavoen said.
“What we say this evening [Saturday] was expected. We are excited to have pulled through. It’s easier said than done.
“We tried to trump the cards. There are 24 teams at the tournament. Everybody has the chance and that motivated Sudan.
“We watched their game against Guinea-Bissau but today we saw them change. Complacency? I can’t really say anything, but we will discuss this [on Sunday].”
The 56-year old, who was part of the 1994 set of Nigeria squad that ruled African in Tunisia – is not oblivious of the support his team has received so far from the people of Garoua.
“I think we performed well. The local here made us possible,” he continued.
“We are brothers and neighbours. We hope to stay here till the next round. I believe wherever we go we will enjoy the support of the locals.”
The Super Eagles, who are chasing a fourth Nations Cup triumph, know they will face a third-placed side in the last 16 if they can top Group D, and they round off their group campaign against Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday (7pm).
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