2019 AFCON: Five Takeaways From Nigeria's 1-0 Win Against Guinea

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the five takeaways from the game.

1. Full Backs Not Supporting Attacking Efforts

The duo of Ola Aina and Chidozie Awaziem were not overly bad in defending on Wednesday but Nigeria's game is mostly orchestrated from the wings and the full backs did not deliver on this much in this contest.

2. Guinea's Good Defensive Solidity

The Syli National of Guinea were defensive in approach and only threatened a few times.

This frustrated the Nigerians as they struggled to create clear cut scoring chances.

3. Iwobi's Substitution Almost Costly

Although the Arsenal forward misplaced a few passes and made some poor decisions he did create goal scoring chances and had a shot at goal.

The Eagles midfield broke down after his substitution, the Guineans flew out of their traps but thankfully the Nigerians held on to their slim lead.

4. Akpeyi's Howlers

The Kaizer Chiefs keeper was literally untested by the Guineans but he dropped a few clangers which ultimately did not cost the team.

The goalkeeping situation in the Super Eagles is dicey. It is not inconceivable to believe that Gernot Rohr does not really know who to trust best among his goalkeepers.

5. Second Half Eagles

Like they did against Burundi, the Super Eagles  upped their ante in the second half.

It clearly shows that they have had better second halves so far but it is time they started scoring early - in the first halves as they encounter more difficult opposition in the knockout stages.