AFCON 2023: 5 Talking points from Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Nigeria

As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations reaches the business end of the competition, the Super Eagles of Nigeria sealed their place in the second round.

The West African nation finished in second place with seven points behind surprise group leaders, Equatorial Guinea who also finished with the same number of points but with a better goal difference.

Here are the five talking points from the game;

(1) Round of 16:

The Super Eagles took their spot in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations currently being hosted in Ivory Coast. The three-time African champions needed a point heading into the final group game against Guinea Bissau, but the three points sealed the spot for the West African nation.

(2) Lack of Creativity:

The major complaints of the Super Eagles by most football lovers have been the team's lack of creativity in the midfield and the attack part of the field. Nigeria has created more chances than any other team at this competition but they have been able to score just one goal from open play in this competition which will be a major worry for Jose Peseiro.

(3) Victor Osimhen:

The Napoli forward player has not lived up to the expectations a lot of people had for him heading into the tournament. He has been able to score just a goal and was involved in the penalty scored against Ivory Coast. This will be a major concern to supporters of the Super Eagles as they head into the knockout stage of the competition.

(4) Dead Midfield:

The Super Eagles have been slow and have not been able to create anything for the forward players whenever the team goes forward. This has been the weak point of the team and this can be exploited by a better team in the Round of 16.

(5) Jose Peseiro:

The Portuguese International has not been lucky with his players failing to kill off games in the group phase of the competition. Peseiro has a lot of work on his hands in finding a way for his players so they can put the ball at the back of the net.