AFCON 2019: Nigeria Enters Elimination Phase.....

Alexandria, Egypt -- Nigeria moved comfortably into the elimination phase of the 2019 African Cup of Nations with a deserved 1-0 win over Guinea, securing maximum points in two games with a game left to play. It was a deserved win. Nigeria provided very few opportunities to the Guineans who relied on phantom fouls to create any meaningful opportunities.

The opening half was largely even with Iwobi granted a free role, which he took with relish. However, he did make some poor decisions on his passes but overall his involvement covered a lot of space. Behind him, Ndidi was having one of his best games for Nigeria giving Naby Keita fits in the middle. Nigeria's midfield was indeed authoritative until Iwobi was taken off for Chukwueze.

The goal came from a set piece after Simon's corner kicks were wide off the mark. This time, in the 73rd minute, his kick found Omeruo who struck a sharp header beyond the Guinean goalkeeper. It underlined Nigeria's dominance in the game in the second half and up to that very moment. Although the Guineans recovered with some pressure late, they could not find any clear openings to disturb Nigeria's defense and goalkeeper.

The next step is the unloading of the bench against Madagascar on Sunday.

Here is how the players rated:

Daniel Akpeyi (16) -- 6.0 -- Daniel had an average game with very few worries from the Guinean attack. He, however, was quite good in helping the team distribute the ball from the defense. The only issue he had was spilling the ball dangerously from a vicious shot. Then he made a punch from a looping free kick late in the game to help preserve the score. 

Chidozie Awaziem (20) -- 6.0 -- Chidozie was solid making the simple decision. However, he lacks the offensive ability down the right.

Leon Balogun (6) -- 6.4 -- Leon was good in place of injured Ekong. In the opening half, he made two critical interceptions on few chances that the Guineans created.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.5 -- Kenneth had a strong display, culminating in scoring the winner with a header from a corner kick. He had a similar opportunity that he headed high in the opening half.

Ola Aina (2) -- 7.5 -- For the second game running, Aina was clearly the best Nigerian defender. Aina has certainly earned his spot both defensively and offensively. 

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 8.0 -- The best Nigerian player on the day. His ball recovery was top notch and he did much to keep Naby Keita at bay. 

Oghenekaro Etebo (8) --6.3 -- Again, very active on the ball but today he had a few unforced turnovers that could have hurt his team. His free kick in the 66th minute forced the goalie into a saving punch after the ball dipped dangerously over the wall.

Alex Iwobi (18) -- 6.3 -- Iwobi was active covering a large range of the field and was definitely influential. He had a glorious opportunity to score very early but dallied with his touch in the box. His other problem were some turnovers but he got those by attempting passes that were meaningful.

Ahmed Musa (cpt-7) -- 6.4 -- Musa's pace and team play is always going to be helpful. Today, it was not different but his various attempts to set up his team mates were defended strongly by the opponents.

Simon Moses (15) -- 6.7 -- Moses was active, losing his marker multiple times in the opening half.  He was additionally effective in the defensive phase. Although, he faded as the game wore on it was a good day on the field.

Odion Ighalo (9) -- 6.0 -- He may have failed to score, but he was responsible for two cautions received by Guinea's center backs. Ighalo missed a glaring chance in the opening five minutes by attempting to take multiple touches deep in the box. Then he made a selfish decision to shoot when a simple cross to Musa was a certain goal in the 32nd minute.

Subs

Samuel Chukwueze (13) -- 5.8 -- He was brought in to replace Iwobi in the midfield but he had negligible impact on the game and Nigeria lost control of the middle. It was not an eventful appearance for the young lad.

Paul Onuachu (14) -- X -- Not rated with less than 10 minutes of action.

Samuel Kalu (17) -- X -- Not rated. Did not have a touch on the ball before the final whistle.