After missing the last two editions, Nigeria make a return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the 2019 edition Egypt, which kicks off on June 21.
The Super Eagles had a smooth run to the biennial football showpiece despite making a false start in the qualifying series.
Gernot Rohr’s men were defeated at home by South Africa, but shook off that defeat to secure qualification in style with four wins and one draw to finish as Group E winners with 13 points.
Top scorer Odion Ighalo played a vital role as he accounted for seven goals out of 14 scored in six outings.
With Nigeria raring and ready to chase a fourth title in their 18th appearance at the tournament, Goal brings to you everything you need to know about three-time African kings' campaign in Egypt.
Nigeria Afcon 2019 Group B Fixtures
Nigeria were pooled with debutants Madagascar and Burundi, as well as 1976 runners-up Guinea in Group B, where many have tipped Rohr’s men to progress into the knockout phase.
| Date | Fixture | Score | City | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 June | Nigeria vs. Burundi | 1-0 | Alexandria | Alexandria Stadium |
| 26 June | Nigeria vs. Guinea | 1-0 | Alexandria | Alexandria Stadium |
| 30 June | Madagascar vs. Nigeria | 2-0 | Alexandria | Alexandria Stadium |
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Nigeria Afcon 2019 Group B table
| POS | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madagascar | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Guinea | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Burundi | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Nigeria Afcon 2019 squad
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Injured Ogenyi Onazi and Elderson Echiejile were the biggest names left out of Nigeria’s squad as they prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF has confirmed a 25-man squad for Egypt, where Gernot Rohr’s men will battle Guinea, Burundi and Madagascar in Group B.
Here is the Super Eagles' provisional squad as announced by on May 14.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England)
Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel)
Forward: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China); Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)
Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Ikouwem Utin (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt); Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba FC)
Nigeria Afcon 2019 qualifying results
The Super Eagles began their campaign on a miserable note by losing 2-0 at home to South Africa following goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau.
That defeat woke the three-time Africans' slumber as they silenced Seychelles 3-0 in Victoria. They followed it up with a 4-0 thumping of Libya – with Ighalo netting a hat-trick. In the reverse fixture in Sfax, Ighalo’s brace powered Nigeria past the Mediterranean Knights.
Qualification was guaranteed after Buhle Mkhwanazi’s own goal handed the Eagles a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana, while a 3-1 victory over Seychelles in was the icing on the cake.
| Fixture | 1st Leg | 2nd Leg |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria v South Africa | 0-2 | 1-1 |
| Seychelles v Nigeria | 0-3 | 3-1 |
| Libya v Nigeria | 2-3 | 4-0 |