Nigeria crashed out of the African Nations Championship following a 1-0 loss to Guinea at Stade Ribavu, Ribavu, Rwanda on Tuesday
Am Ibrahim Sankhon strike on the brink of half-time ended the West Africans’ dream of a first CHAN title.
The Super Eagles needed to avoid defeat in their final Group C game after picking up four points from two.
But Coach Sunday Oliseh’s team failed in that regard and produced a lacklustre display to exit the tournament.
Oliseh made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Tunisia.
Sunshine Stars striker, Tunde Adeniji, was preferred to tournament top-scorer, Chisom Chikatara, while Jamiu Alimi started in place of Stephen Eze in defence.
The former skipper opted for a more conservative and cautious approach to the game with his lads sitting back and breaking the opposition on the counter.
The system meant Guinea had better possession of the ball and were dominant in the early stages of the game.
Nigeria’s first attack came in the 17th minute when Muhammed Usman was brought down inches away from the box. Chimas Akas fired wide from the ensuing free-kick.
Another fine run from Prince Aggreh earned the Eagles another free-kick in an identical position few minutes later, but Usman failed to make the opportunity count.
Usman – who at this point was Nigeria’s only attacking threat – made a wonderful drive from midfield before shooting wide eight minutes before the break.
Surprisingly, Oliseh withdrew the impressive Taraba United man for Bature Yaro.
Guinea finally made their possession count seconds before half-time through Sankhon.
Daouda Camara made a meal out of the Nigerian defence before sending a superb cross to Sankhon – who beat Ikechukwu Ezenwa with a wonderful back-heel.
In a bid to strengthen his forward line, Oliseh brought in Chikatara for Paul Onobi at the start of the second-half.
Apart from some flashes, the Eagles were unable to spark any revival as the Syli Nationale hung on for a famous victory and progressed to the quarter-finals.
Tunisia finished top of the group after thrashing Niger Republic 4-0.
The Super Eagles, who began the day at top of Group C with four point, head back home while Tunisia and Guinea who had two points each after the first two rounds of group games progress with five points apiece.
