Balogun and Nigeria reach last 16 of the African Cup of Nations

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun helped Nigeria qualify for the last 16 of the 2019 African Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Guinea in Group B this (Wednesday) afternoon.
By Matt Pole
Published 26th Jun 2019, 18:44 BST
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty ImagesBrighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty Images

After a goalless first-half in Alexandria, Gernot Rohr's side netted what proved to be the winner on 73 minutes. Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo leapt highest from a Moses Simon corner to glance a header past Guinean goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone to secure the three points.

The victory maintains Nigeria's 100 per cent Group B win record, following their 1-0 win over Burundi on Saturday, and secured the Super Eagle's passage to the tournament's next round.

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Albion's 30-year-old centre-back came into the starting line-up, replacing Udinese's William Troost-Ekong, and played the full 90 minutes as Nigeria recorded their second consecutive clean-sheet.

Balogun appeared ten times for Brighton in an injury-hit first season for the club following his move from German club Mainz 05 last summer.

The Seagulls defender and Nigeria will look to make it three wins from three when they take on Madagascar in their final Group B fixture on Sunday June 30.