A second half strike from youngster, Ramadan Sobhy ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching Gabon and secured Egypt’s passage to AFCON 2017 after the North Africans missed the last three editions.
The task before the Eagles became tougher after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Kaduna and the withdrawal of Chad from the AFCON race.
CAF announced that as a result of Chads withdrawal, only one team will now qualify from Group G, which has Nigeria, Egypt and Tanzania.
Meaning that no best runner-up spot would be available, leaving Nigeria with a must-win situation in Alexandria.
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The Super Eagles missed out on the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea and were desperate for a return, however, a deflected effort from Sobhy was enough to dent Nigeria’s hopes and earn the three points for the Egyptians.
Nigeria can now no longer overtake Egypt as the Eagles are five points adrift with just one match to play, while Egypt is also six points clear of Tanzania, which has two games left, with a far superior goal difference.