Four memorable Super Eagles AFCON final group games that secured knockout qualification

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Guinea-Bissau in a crucial final group game at this year’s AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

After a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, the Eagles shocked hosts Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 in their second tie in the group.

Now, Jose Peseiro’s men go into a tricky tie against Guinea-Bissau and have to win or at least secure a draw, to be guaranteed a place in the round of 16.

The group’s other game will see Côte d’Ivoire take on Equatorial Guinea in a must win game for them.

Ahead of Monday’s game, here are four memorable Eagles final AFCON group games which sealed qualification into the knockout stage.

NIGERIA 0-0 EGYPT (AFCON 1988)

Known back then as the Green Eagles, the Nigerian team was drawn with Cameroon, Egypt and Kenya in Group B.

In their opening game, the Green Eagles thrashed Kenya 3-0 while Cameroon pipped Egypt 1-0.

In the second group games, the Green Eagles and Cameroon played 1-1 and Egypt overcame Kenya 3-0.

Going into the decisive final group games, the Green Eagles needed just a draw against Egypt to advance while the North Africans must win.

After 90 minutes, the Eagles held the Egyptians to a goalless draw and in the other game Cameroon and Kenya also played 0-0.

The draw was enough to secure qualification for the Eagles to the semi-final while Egypt, alongside Kenya crashed out.

NIGERIA 2-0 MOROCCO (AFCON 2000)

The Eagles kicked off their AFCON 2000 campaign with a 4-2 win against Tunisia thanks to a brace each from Austin Okocha and Victor Ikpeba.

But in their second group game against Congo Brazzaville, the Eagles could only manage a disappointing goalless draw.

The Eagles needed a convincing result against Morocco in their final group game.

Both teams were tide on four points heading into the crucial last group game while Tunisia (one point) faced Congo (one point).

It was one of the most exciting fixture as the Eagles won 2-0 to secure qualification to the quarter-finals.

Also, Tunisia qualified following their 1-0 win against Congo.

NIGERIA 2-0 BENIN REPUBLIC (AFCON 2008)

The Super Eagles were close to crashing out at the AFCON 2008 group stage following poor performances in their opening two games.

In the first game against Côte d’Ivoire, the Eagles lost 1-0 and in the second game they were held to a goalless draw by Mali.

Prior to the final group game, the Eagles could only boast of one point, Côte d’Ivoire had six and already qualified for the quarter-final, Mali had four points and Benin Republic had no point.

For qualification to be achieved, the Eagles needed to beat Benin Republic convincingly in the final group game and hope Côte d’Ivoire do them a favour by defeating Mali.

That was exactly what occurred as the Eagles defeated Benin Republic 2-0 while Côte d’Ivoire thrashed Mali 3-0.

NIGERIA 2-0 ETHIOPIA (AFCON 2013)

Another dramatic final group game for the Eagles was at the 2013 AFCON held in South Africa.

In the opening game against Burkina Faso, the Eagles conceded a late goal to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Also, the second game against them reigning AFCON champions Zambia ended in another disappointing 1-1 draw.

Prior to the final group games Burkina Faso had four points, Zambia and Nigeria had two points and Ethiopia had just a point.

After toiling for most part of the game, the Eagles eventually scored two late goals to pick one of the quarter-finals tickets.

Burkina Faso held Zambia to a goalless draw to end on five points, same points as the Eagles.

But Burkina Faso topped the group despite having the same points with the Eagles due to superior goals scored.

Zambia could only manage three points from three games and crashed out while Ethiopia only had one point.