Nigeria seemed more balanced and played better this time around than last Saturday, with skipper Mikel Obi, who was disappointing against Burundi, relegated to the bench and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi moved from the flanks to a more central role, supporting striker Odion Ighalo, who scored the winner in the first game. Ahmed Musa, also a sub in the last match, and Moses Simon started to the left and right of Ighalo.

With the hardworking duo of Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi at the centre of the park, there was a more solid feel to Nigeria to nullify the threat from Guinea’s star player from Liverpool, Naby Keita, but little fluency in the first half. Creative responsibility fell mostly on Iwobi but he was out of sorts today.

More and highlights: https://www.naijiant.com/sports/afcon-2019-nigeria-sees-off-guinea-resistance-to-reach-knockout-stages/