8th October, 2011
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have failed to reach the Nations Cup for the first time since 1986 after being held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea at the Abuja National Stadium today.
The Syli Nationale go through as Group B winners.
After Ismael Bangoura gave the visitors a second-half lead, the Eagles captained by Joseph Yobo seemed to have turned it around with goals from Obinna Nsofor and Ikechukwu Uche.
But Ibrahima Traore’s goal deep into stoppage time ensured Guinea’s progress and meant the Nigerian team will be absent from the competition for the first time since 1996 however, having quit those finals for political reasons.
Coach Samson Siasia and his star studded team went into the match needing to win 1-0, or by two clear goals should Guinea have scored, to book their place in the Nations Cup co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Nigeria’s plight was worsened when Ethiopia beat Madagascar 4-2 in Addis Adaba today.
With results against the bottom side in the group not being taken into account, Nigeria’s two wins over Madagascar are no longer relevant.
This means the Super Eagles’ points tally from their game against Guinea and Ethiopia total just five points – trailing Sudan (seven) and Libya (eight).