AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s Super Eagles favoured for ticket as Senegal, Cape Verde secure round of 16 spots

On Thursday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to a 1-0 victory against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, reclaiming fan confidence and bolstering their Round of 16 qualification prospects.

Following their earlier 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria now command four points from two matches.

Tied with Equatorial Guinea on four points, Nigeria are second in Group A on a goal difference of +1.

The Super Eagles can clinch a Round of 16 spot by avoiding defeat against Guinea-Bissau on matchday three. If they secure victory and Equatorial Guinea fail against Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria will emerge as Group A winners.

Guinea-Bissau, yet to secure a win in the tournament, face the daunting task of upsetting high-flying Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Senegal and Cape Verde have stamped their tickets to the Round of 16 by notching two consecutive victories.

Senegal, the defending champions, dominated the Gambia 3-0 and outclassed Cameroon 3-1. Positioned atop Group C, Senegal face Guinea, also with four points, in a decisive match on matchday three.

Cape Verde, the surprise package of Group B, outshone Ghana with a memorable 2-1 win and continued their stellar form with a thrilling 3-0 triumph over Mozambique, amassing a maximum of six points.

Looking ahead, Mali, Burkina Faso, Namibia, and Morocco stand poised to secure Round of 16 spots with potential victories in their second games.

Key matchups include Algeria vs. Burkina Faso and Tunisia vs. Mali on Saturday, followed by Morocco vs. Congo DR and Namibia vs. South Africa on Sunday.