The Super Eagles secured a place in the knockout stage after earning their second victory of the campaign.
Nigeria defeated Sudan 3-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations match on Saturday. Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for the Super Eagles before Taiwo Awoniyi, and Moses Simon made it 3-0 before the interval. Sudan got one back through a spot-kick in the 70th minute but could not successfully mount a comeback.
This was Nigeria’s second win in the tournament. The Super Eagles achieved a crucial 1-0 win over Egypt last Tuesday, which paved the way for their qualification.
Awoniyi, who scored his side’s second goal against Sudan, is positive about the Super Eagles’ form under Augustine Eguavoen.
Speaking after the game, he told News Agency of Nigeria (via Soccernet): “It was a sweet victory.
We are very happy that we were able to make our country, our families as well as all Nigerians proud.
“We still have a long way to go in the competition. Although, I think the style of our coach in giving the boys more freedom to express themselves in the field is really working for the team.”
The Super Eagles manager Eguavoen admitted his side are among the favourites to win the title.
He said: “Yes, many people have talked about Nigeria being favourite, so I claim it.
“It’s not about saying game per game now, so we claim it because there is power in the tongue,” he added.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea Bissau in their last group-stage match before discovering their last-16 opponents.
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