AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea disgrace Cote D'Ivoire, beat Super Eagles to top spot

The final games of Group A witnessed a night of contrasting fortunes as the hosts, Ivory Coast, suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea while Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 win against Guinea-Bissau.

The Elephants, seeking to avoid their first group-stage exit since 2017, were trampled by a rampant Equatorial Guinea. 

Emilio Nsue, fresh off his hat trick against Guinea-Bissau, ran riot again with a brace, condemning the Elephants to their heaviest-ever home defeat. 

Thousands of fans streamed out of the stadium, their dreams shattered by the unexpected thrashing.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea, inspired by Nsue's heroics, ascended to the group's top on goal difference. With their unlikely triumph, they face a potentially thrilling knockout stage clash.

Nigeria's Cautious Progress:

The Super Eagles, despite failing to impress, secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau thanks to an own goal.

Victor Osimhen, a constant threat, had two goals disallowed, but Opa Sangante's mistake proved decisive. While safely through to the Round of 16, Nigeria's second-place finish means they face a tougher test in the next stage.

The Elephants' fate hangs precariously in the balance. They must wait nervously for the results of other matches to determine if they will qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. 

Equatorial Guinea having topped the group leaves the Super Eagles to face the second-placed team in Group C, which will be one of Cameroon, Senegal or Guinea.