The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured all three points against Guinea Bissau on Monday, January 23, 2024, earning them a spot in the AFCON Round of 16. However, concerns about the team’s offensive capabilities persist.

Despite picking qualifications ticket, the growing concerns about the quality of the team when going forward continue to linger.

Prior to the competition, there was confidence in the Super Eagles’ attack but worries about the midfield and defence. Fast forward to the competition proper and the tables have turned on its head – it is the attack that has come short.

The Super Eagles after Securing RO16 Qualification

The Super Eagles face a goal scoring crisis, having scored just two goals in the three games played in the group stages: relying on a spot kick, an own goal and Victor Osimhen’s header.

Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opener was the only time Nigeria scored a goal from open play.

The narrow 1-0 victory against tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire was won by a penalty from captain Troost Ekong after a foul on Victor Osimhen, and an own goal by Guinea-Bissau’s Opa Sangate in the 36th minute was what separated the sides, meaning Nigeria have a spot in the RO16.

On the defensive end, the Super Eagles conceded just one goal and it came against the Central African side, the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea.

The Super Eagles advanced unbeaten in three games, defeating the host country in the process, amassing seven points from a possible nine and keeping two clean sheets from three games, and sturdy defence can be counted on.

As the great Sir Alex Ferguson said, “…Defence wins you titles.” This provides a glimmer of hope amidst the concerns, but the looming question remains: How will the Super Eagles fare against stronger opponents in the knockout stages?