Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost 0-1 to Guinea’s Syli Nationale on Tuesday to crash out of the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.

Tournament top scorer, Chisom Chikatara, an injury doubt before kick-off, was dropped and Sunshine Stars attacker, Tunde Adeniji started in place of the Abia Warriors man.

Guinea, needing an outright victory to stand any chance of further progress to the knockout stages, started the brighter of the two sides.

The Syli Nationale were however denied by consistent poor decision-making in the final third and stoic Nigerian defending.

Nigeria started on the back foot and had to wait until 19 minutes to muster their first shot on goal but Chima Akas’ indirect free kick was wild and off target.

Mohammed Usman came close to breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute following a counter attack but his finishing left him down after some good footwork down the right hand channel.

Mohammed, who passed a late fitness test, failed to last the first 45 minutes and was substituted just before half time with Nasarawa United man, Bature Yaro taking his place.

Guinea got their deserved reward for positive play on the stroke of half time with a goal that set the pulses racing.

Exemplary passing between Alseny Camara and Moussa Diawara down the right tore open the Nigerian defence and Ibrahima Sankhon was left the straightforward task of steering into a gaping Nigeria goal.

It was no more than they deserved as the Super Eagles were left chasing a game for the first time in the tournament.

Nigeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh knew he had to unleash his most potent attacking weapon and introduced Chikatara soon after the restart.

Bature Yaro’s free kick on 78 minutes was the first real chance the Eagles managed in a second half of few clear cut opportunities.

Guinea came close to extending their lead in the 81st minute but Sankhon’s free kick was handled in exemplary fashion by Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Nigeria came even closer in the 86th minute via a Bright Onyedikachi volley which was cleared off the line.

Osas fired a long range effort just wide in the 87th minute as the Super Eagles revved up the engine late on.

Sankhon came close to finishing off the game as a contest but dragged an effort wide at the death.

Nigeria finished as the third best side at the 2014 Chan in South Africa.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com